Bio
If there's one word that defines the 2025 Humber Hawks softball team, it's family.
There are many definitions of the word family. The Cambridge Dictionary describes as "a group of people who care about each other because they have a close relationship or shared interests." But that definition hardly captures the depth of connection within this Humber softball family.
The Hawks opened their season with a program-best 10-0 record, only to face adversity through slumps at the plate and a string of key injuries. And when the gold medal looked within reach, they had to push even harder. But staying true to their family-first identity, they stood by one another, fought through every challenge and refused to back down.
On Saturday, in front of their home crowd at Connorvale Park, that unity paid off. The Hawks (16-9, 3rd OCAA) defeated the St. Clair Saints (18-7, 2nd OCAA) to reclaim the OCAA mountaintop for the first time since 2019.
Since taking over the program in 2016, head coach Duaine Bowles has built a philosophy that extends far beyond the diamond. And while his impact may be impossible to measure, the results speak for themselves: two OCAA golds, one silver, three bronze, plus a national silver and bronze, but above all, a team built on trust, resilience and family.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is Humber softball.
Game one (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.
Peyton Fitzgerald was named the Player of the Game, going two-for-three at the dish and recording one RBI.
Game two (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 one, 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 one 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 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.
Rookie Maddy Friesen was named the Player of the Game, going two-for-four at the dish and recording four RBIs, while only allowing two hits from the circle in six innings of work.
OCAA Women's Softball Championship MVP
OCAA Women's Softball Championship All-Stars
Humber Highlights
- The Hawks captured their fourth OCAA gold medal and first since 2019.
- Humber improves to 25-22 all-time in OCAA postseason play.
- The gold medal marks six consecutive years of provincial hardware for Humber.
- The Hawks now hold a 4-4 all-time record in OCAA gold-medal games.
- Head coach Duaine Bowles has guided Humber to a provincial medal every year since winning gold in 2019.
- Bowles holds a 13-15 career record in the OCAA postseason.
- Bowles ties former coach Bob Acton for the most OCAA gold medals as Humber coach (two).
- Reese Velocci joins Hall of Famers Kelsey Bardy (2012) and Jessica O'Quinn (2013), and Presly Buchanan as the only Humber players to be named championship MVP.