Softball splits with Conestoga to pick up 11th win of the season
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Conestoga | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 4 |
|
Humber | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Conestoga | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
|
Humber | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | X | 7 | 9 | 0 |
By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications
ETOBICOKE – Humber softball's struggles have intensified as the postseason approaches. Over the last eight games, their offence has cooled off drastically, and combined with bullpen issues and an unexpected defensive slump, the Hawks (11-7, 3rd OCAA) split their doubleheader against the Conestoga Condors (5-11, 6th OCAA) on Saturday afternoon at Connorvale Park.
Game one (Conestoga 5, Humber 4)
Humber softball welcomed the Conestoga Condors in what felt like the most important matchup of the year, despite it being a regular-season game. The Hawks had opened the season with a perfect 10-0 start, but a sudden offensive slump led to a six-game skid. Humber needed a strong response to fuel hopes of making a deep postseason run.
Despite their lower position in the standings, Conestoga saw this matchup as an opportunity to capitalize on Humber's poor performances. The Condors came out of the gates hot, with Daniela Ernst crushing a two-run homer to put them on the scoreboard early.
Having seen their offence cool off over the last six games, Humber knew the urgency of responding quickly. In the home half, Rexdale native Reese Velocci recorded her 12th RBI of the season, singling to right field to cash in Rilee Rothwell and cut the deficit to one.
Humber ace Shade Hansen couldn't find her best performance and struggled in the circle. The Condors had seven hits by the end of the third inning, and added two more runs to extend their lead to 4-1. In the bottom half, Rothwell tacked on another run with a sacrifice fly by Maddy Friesen. But the Hawks couldn't get their bats going.
In the previous six games, Humber failed to record double-digit hits. This is a stark contrast to the start of the season, when they opened with five straight games of double-digit hits, including a 20-hit performance against Mohawk on Sept. 11.
Trailing 5-2 in the bottom of the seventh, the Hawks took advantage of two runs scored on Conestoga's sloppy defensive errors, but it wasn't enough.
Conestoga held on for a 5-4 win in game one, snapping a seven-game losing streak at Connorvale Park that had lasted since 2019.
Game two (Humber 7, Conestoga 1)
Both teams got off to a slow start in game two, with the crowd watching a scoreless first two innings and only one hit in the ball game.
The Hawks broke through in the bottom of the third with a home run parade. Friesen led off with a deep homer to centre field — her second consecutive doubleheader in which she's cleared the fence. The momentum continued as Blair Naughton ripped a two-run homer, giving Humber a 3-0 lead.
The Hawks continued to step on the gas in the fourth. Friesen recorded her third RBI of the day with a sacrifice fly and Velocci followed with an RBI single, scoring Rothwell for a 5-0 lead.
Conestoga tried to spark some hope with a run in the top of the sixth, but Humber answered right away. Friesen and Velocci each drove in runs in the bottom half.
Hansen came on as a reliever in the top of the seventh and sealed the victory, ending Humber's seven-game losing streak with a crucial 7-1 win.
Maddy Friesen was named the Player of the Game, going two-for-three at the dish and recording three RBIs in game two.
Humber Highlights
- The Hawks improve to 45-13 all-time against the Condors.
- Humber boasts a 20-6 all-time record against Conestoga at Connorvale Park.
- Humber's seven loses are the most in a season since 2018.
- The Condors snapped a seven-game losing streak at Connorvale Park — their first win since 2019.
- With their victory in game two, the Hawks ended a seven-game losing streak; Humber softball's longest in the modern era.
- Rilee Rothwell has recorded stolen bases in four consecutive games.
- Rothwell leads the OCAA with a .533 batting average.
- Maddy Friesen has cleared the fence in two consecutive doubleheaders.
What's Next?
Humber softball closes out the regular season with one final doubleheader before shifting focus to the postseason. The Hawks will welcome the top-ranked Durham Lords (16-2, 1st OCAA) on Monday, Oct. 6, at Connorvale Park. The ball game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.
