HAWKS BEGIN SOUTHERN TOUR AGAINST SWU

CENTRAL, SC: The Humber Hawks softball team began their South Carolina exhibition series Tuesday evening with a doubleheader against the Southern Wesleyan Warriors.  As a member of the NCCAA, the Warriors had already played six games, as their 2016 campaign began earlier in the month.

After a two and a half hour bus ride, the Hawks arrived in Central, South Carolina on a cool February evening, making their return to the diamond for the first time since late October.

The Hawks dropped both games of the doubleheader and the rust due to the long layoff from live action was apparent. 

"It was good to get the first games of the exhibition tour under our belts," said second-year head coach Lauren Spohn.  "We needed to shake off the rust and dust, and to get reacquainted with the feel of a live softball game."

Four student-athletes had two hits for the Hawks in the doubleheader combined, including third-year first baseman Hilary Redrup (Carlisle) who blasted a deep two-run double in the opening frame of game two.   Bonnie Gillingham (Brampton), Elisa Gregoris (Mississauga), and Jaime Vieira (Georgetown) also collected two hits each. 

As a team, the Hawks combined to hit .267, however they stranded 12 base runners during the two-game set with the Warriors.

"Our hitting will get there," added Coach Spohn. "It's a little behind right now but it's only natural after going four months without game action.  Hitting is all about timing and I'm confident these girls will get back to the high level they were at in late October."

Following the game, the coaches from Humber presented the SWU coaches with a customized baseball bat, with the date and teams engraved in the wood.

"It is a unique way of thanking SWU for the effort they go through to get us on their schedule," said Coach Spohn.  "SWU was a gracious host with a beautiful ballpark and we wanted to show our appreciation."

There is little turn around for the Hawks softball team as they have another game scheduled Wednesday afternoon at 3:00pm against the Columbia College Cougars.  (This game was originally scheduled for Sunday, however due to inclement weather, it was rescheduled for Wednesday.)  So far this season, the Cougars have yet to lose, after going 5-0 in the Cowtown Classic in Fort Worth, Texas.