HAWKS ONE WIN AWAY FROM OCAA WOMEN’S SOFTBALL TITLE
The Humber Hawks have won three straight games at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Women's Softball Championship, and are now one victory away from their first gold medal since 2019.
TORONTO — The Humber Hawks have won three straight games at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Women's Softball Championship, and are now one victory away from their first gold medal since 2019.
Playing on their home field at Connorvale Park, the Hawks first overwhelmed the Conestoga Condors 12-2 in a Thursday play-in game. Playing two games on Friday, the Hawks them upset a pair of higher-seeded teams to guarantee themselves two chances at gold in the double knockout tournament.
Humber started off hot against the St. Clair Saints, scoring multiple runs in each of the first two innings en route to a 7-5 victory. Third-year OCAA all-star shortstop Reese Velocci (Rexdale) and second-year left-fielder Melia Farrow (Regina, Sask.) each hit home runs for the Hawks.
A pitcher's duel broke out in Humber's game against the defending champion and No. 1 seed Durham Lords. The Hawks got across two runs in the fourth and held on to a 2-0 victory. Third-year hurler Shade Hansen (Etobicoke) earned the win, pitching a complete game four-hitter. Fourth-year right hander and OCAA Pitcher of the Year Makayla Benz (Simcoe) took the loss, striking out eight, also in a complete game.
The Hawks will either face the Saints or Lords. St. Clair rebounded from their loss to Humber to eliminate the Sheridan Bruins 5-4. The Bruins loaded the bases in the top of the seventh, but couldn't push across the tying run. Third-year designated hitter Ashley Marchand (Fergus) swatted a pair of double for the Saints.
Durham defeated Sheridan 6-4 earlier in the day, rallying for five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Third-year designated hitter Chelsea Oke (Brooklin) tied the game with a two-run single then later scored the go-ahead run on an error.
The Bruins qualified for the championship by defeating the Fanshawe Falcons 12-3 on Thursday.
The Saints and Lords will clash in the OCAA bronze medal game to begin Day 3 of the championship on Saturday, with the winner advancing to face Humber for the gold. With the order of finish still to be determined, it will mark the sixth straight championship that Humber, Durham and St. Clair all win OCAA medals.
All games are being streamed on YouTube via OCAA LIVE.
Live Webcast: www.ocaa.com/live
Thursday, October 16
Game #1: Sheridan def. Fanshawe 12-3
Game #2: Humder def. Conestoga 12-2
Friday, October 17
Game #3: Durham def. Sheridan 6-4
Game #4: Humber def. St. Clair 7-5
Game #5: St. Clair def. Sheridan 5-4
Game #6: Humber def. Durham 2-0
Saturday, October 18
OCAA Bronze Medal Game
Game #7: St. Clair vs. Durham - 12 p.m.
Losing team presented OCAA Bronze Medal at conclusion of game
OCAA Gold Medal Game(s)
Game #8: Winner Game #7 vs. Humber - 2:30 p.m.
Game #9*: Winner Game #7 vs. Humber - 5 p.m.
*If necessary
OCAA Gold and Silver Medals presented at the conclusion of final game
- OCAA -
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