MONMOUTH, Ore. -- Western Oregon senior softball player Sara Tucholsky isn't a big slugger.

So when she stepped to the plate last weekend in a game against Central Washington, the ensuing go-ahead home run she struck over the fence may have been the highlight of her career.

With the game scoreless and two runners on base, Tucholsky had given Western Oregon the lead in an important game.

But as she rounded the bases, she collapsed with a knee injury.

For the home run to count, Tucholsky needed to make it to home plate and touch every base along the way. She also couldn't be assisted by players from her own team; otherwise, she would be considered out and the home run would not count.

Two players from Central Washington unexpectedly picked up Tucholsky and carried her around the bases, helping her touch each bag to complete the three-run homer.

The home run turned out to be the game winner.

"That game actually meant something. We're both trying to go regionals," Tucholsky said. "She basically gave me another run; otherwise, my home run wouldn't have counted. In a very close game like that, they did an amazing thing."

Tucholsky could only watch as her team practiced Tuesday. Because of swelling, she still doesn't know how much damage has been done to her knee.

She said she's glad Central Washington is receiving credit for helping with her home run trot. Her story has appeared in the New York Times and on ESPN.com.

"I'm glad to get this story out because it is an awesome thing they did for me," Tucholsky said.

Western Oregon University's softball team has never won a Great Northwest conference title. The final three games of the season are this weekend and the Wolves are in first place.