HAWKS FALL TO COLUMBIA DESPITE TWO HOME RUNS FROM STOBERMAN

COLUMBIA, SC: Day two of softball action for the Humber Hawks saw their bats come alive during a nine inning scrimmage against the Columbia Fighting Koalas of the NAIA.  A day after seeing their first game action since October, Humber's offence was on full display despite coming up short in a 15-11 loss.

In the first inning, the Koalas put three runs on the board off first-year pitcher Briana Donaldson (Gorrie).  Once the nerves settled for Donaldson, the kinesiology major found her groove and did not allow another hit over the next two innings.

It took a few innings for the Hawks to find their stride at the plate, but in the fourth inning Hilary Redrup (Carlisle) roped a double down the left field line.  Fourth-year outfielder Natalie Stoberman (Mississauga) followed by launching a two-run home run to make the score 3-2.  

After Columbia struck for three unearned runs in the bottom half of the inning, the Hawks once again showed they were starting to click offensively.  After getting back-to-back singles from Bonnie Gillingham (Brampton) and Terah Camilleri (Streetsville) with two outs, Abigail Hill (Hagersville) ripped a two-run single to keep Humber within striking distance.

Then, in the top of the eighth inning, with two outs once again, Redrup drove a ball to deep centre field.  With the wind blowing in, Redrup demonstrated some impressive power when the ball cleared the fence for Humber's second home run of the game. Stoberman, not to be outdone by her teammate, turned on a 1-2 fastball, recording her second round tripper of the game.

In the last inning, Humber was trailing by nine runs and recorded two quick outs, however the Hawks once again showed they could compete with the big schools from the south.  Five consecutive Hawks reached base before Hill scorched a two-run double to left field.  Unfortunately the run ended after that and the Hawks lost 15-11.  

Before the game, head coach Lauren Spohn moved Hill two spots up in the order and the freshman did not disappoint after leading the team with four RBI's in the game.  Playing in a scrimmage format, 12 student-athletes were able to get an at-bat and six recorded multi-hit performances.  As a team, the Hawks combined to hit .364 but once again stranded 11 base runners.

Tomorrow, the Hawks travel to Rock Hill to play a doubleheader against Winthrop University at 1:00pm and 3:00pm.