HAWKS CROWNED 2025 OCAA WOMEN'S SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS

TORONTO – The Humber Hawks are back on the OCAA mountaintop, capturing the program's first women's softball gold medal since 2019. In the gold medal game at Connorvale Park on Saturday, the Hawks defeated the St. Clair Saints in two games to claim their fourth OCAA title.

The win capped off a resilient season for the Hawks, overcoming mid-season struggles to finish on top of the provincial podium. The gold marks six consecutive years of provincial hardware for Humber.

Game 1 (St. Clair 12, Humber 1)

Though Humber defeated St. Clair just a day earlier, the Hawks knew the Saints would bring renewed momentum and the fire that comes with overcoming the defending champions.

After a quick one-two-three inning from Humber ace Shade Hansen, the Hawks quickly capitalized. With Rilee Rothwell in scoring position, rookie catcher Peyton Fitzgerald cashed her in with an RBI double to deep centre field.

The lead, however, was short-lived. Despite having played earlier, the Saints still had plenty of energy.

St. Clair quickly adjusted to Hansen's pitches and scored seven runs in the top of the second, led by a grand slam from Kamryn Coombs to take a 7-1 lead.

The Saints would add five more runs in the top of the fifth frame to extend their lead to 12-1. Ashton Fong then efficiently retired the side, sealing the mercy rule win and forcing a game two.

Players of the Game
Humber – Peyton Fitzgerald
St. Clair – Kamryn Coombs

Game 2 (Humber 9, St. Clair 2)

It all came down to this moment. On one side, the Saints were riding a massive wave of momentum. On the other, the Hawks were looking for the energy to bounce back and claim their first gold since 2019.

Just like in Game 1, Humber wasted no time and struck first. Maddy Friesen drove in Fitzgerald with a single up the left field, giving the Hawks a 1-0 lead.

Humber remembered the script from Game 1 and knew they needed to keep putting runs on the board, as the Saints could strike at any moment.

In the new inning, OCAA batting champion Rothwell doubled to left field, cashing in Amelia Russo for a 2-0 lead. The Saints responded in the bottom half, as Umerah recorded her third home run of the day to keep them alive in the ball game.

But in the top of the fourth inning, momentum shifted to Humber's side for the first time since 2019.

The Hawks tacked on two more runs before Friesen stepped up to the plate. The rookie, a key contributor to Humber's regular season success, crushed a three-run homer to give the Hawks a commanding 7-1 lead.

After Humber added two more runs in the top of the seventh, 9-1, Hansen took the circle once more in the bottom half.

The lead-off batter — out. The second — the Saints tried to claw back with a late home run by Ashley Marchand. The third batter — struck out swinging. The fourth stepped up only to go out as well.

In that moment, Humber players erupted, flooding the infield as joy and relief overflowed at Connorvale Park.

For the first time since 2019, the Humber Hawks are back on the OCAA mountaintop.

Players of the Game
Humber – Maddy Friesen
St. Clair – Ashley Marchand

Source: Fernando Bossoes

OCAA WOMEN'S SOFTBALL AWARDS

OCAA Women's Softball Championship MVP
Reese Velocci – Humber Hawks

OCAA Women's Softball Championship All-Stars
Rilee Rothwell – Humber Hawks
Melia Farrow – Humber Hawks
Kamryn Coombs – St. Clair Saints
Ada Umerah – St. Clair Saints
Jessica Benz – Durham Lords

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 def. Durham 5-1

OCAA Gold Medal Game(s)
Game #8: St. Clair def. Humber 12-1
Game #9*: Humber def. St. Clair 9-2

- OCAA -

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Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
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E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com