HAWK HURLERS WITH BACK-TO-BACK GEMS IN SWEEP OF LORDS

By: Shelby Cockhill

MISSISSAUGA— The Humber Hawks softball (5-7, 5^th OCAA) team is celebrating after emerging victorious in both of their games today against the Durham Lords (8-4, 3^rd OCAA). The games were tense with close scores; however the Hawks persevered by winning the first game 4-2 and the second 1-0.

After two heart breaking losses against Durham last Thursday, Humber was determined to get back on by securing big wins for the team in this doubleheader.

Game 1— 1:00PM

Humber's second-year pitcher, Myranda Pierson (Toronto), took to the mound as the game began. The Hawks' determination could be seen and felt by the crowd as they rallied together against their opponents.

The second inning saw the first run of the game. Sarah Franchetto (Guelph), a Hawks freshman from Mississauga, stepped up to the plate, with Kate Kostuch (Mississauga), another rookie, standing on second. A great hit from Franchetto allowed Kostuch the opportunity to run home, successfully scoring the first run of the game for the Hawks.

Humber did not waste any time getting another run on the board. In the bottom of the third, they managed to secure their second run of the game. Hawks first baseman Hilary Redrup (Carlisle), hit a solid fastball to centre field securing her spot at first. Hits from Bonnie Gillingham (Brampton) and Elisa Gregoris (Mississauga), provided the opportunity for Redrup to continue advancing. With Hilary Redrup now safe on third, Hawks veteran, Terah Camilleri (Streetsville) stepped up to the plate. She wasted no time in seizing the opportunity in front of her. Camilleri secured a solid hit allowing Redrup to advance home earning Humber their second run of the game and bringing the total to 2-0 for the Hawks.

It was clear that Durham was not going to let the game go easy. They are strong opponents and they came prepared to fight. In the top of the fourth the Lords managed to load up the bases and bring home two runs tying up the game.

Humber returned to bat in the bottom of the fourth, unwilling to let their lead go, they managed to secure two more runs. Sarah Franchetto began the play with a low, shallow hit to right field, it was enough to get her on first. Aaliyah Davidson (Brampton) was able to walk to first pushingFranchetto to second. Meaghan Murphy (Brampton) stepped up to bat. She made a solid hit allowing Franchetto to run home scoring yet another run for Humber and placing them back in the lead.

With runners now on first and second, the Hawks still had more fight left in them. Elisa Gregoriswas able to drive Aaliyah Davidson home, scoring the final run of the game, and securing the Hawks victory.

As the game drew to a close the final score was 4-2 for the Hawks. The Hawks Nation Player of the game was named Sarah Franchetto. The first-year outfielder from Guelph played a great game and was an integral part in ensuring the teams victory.

With the win, Myranda Pierson became the all-time winningest pitcher in Hawks history, surpassing Jessica O'Quinn, who was inducted into the Hawks Hall of Fame Friday evening. 

Game 2— 3:00PM

The second game of the day was incredibly low scoring, with the Hawks managing the first and only run of the game. Freshman Hawks pitcher, Rachel Matheson-Green (Oakville) threw the first pitch of the game, sparking off the tense match up.

Both teams were determined for a win however it seemed neither could push runners through to home. The innings flew by fast with both teams remaining scoreless. It seemed as soon as a team could get their runners in a scoring position, the other team would get them out. The Hawks displayed excellent teamwork and coordination as both the outfielders and basemen worked together to send Durham players back to the bench.

In the top half of the third, Durham loaded the bases with none out, primed to score a few runs.  Matheson-Green, displayed poise on the rubber after walking the bases full.  The first pitch was hit hard at Gillingham, who caught the ball at third, tagged the runner and attempted the throw to first, vying for a triple play.  The Hawks had to settle for two outs but Matheson-Green proceeded to get a ground ball to end the inning, escaping away unscathed.

The Hawks were able to break through the scoreless game in the bottom of the fourth. Humber's Jenna Hillman begins the play by getting herself to first. Hilary Redrup got a walk to first pushing Hillman through to second base. In an aggressive move with Bonnie Gillingham at bat, Hillman was able to successfully steal third base. Gillingham slammed the ball deep into centre field giving Hillman the perfect opportunity to advance, running home to score the first and only run of the game on a sacrifice fly.

Durham was unable to push through any runs, thus securing the Hawks victory, with a final score of 1-0. The Hawks Nation player of the game was named Rachel Matheson-Green, a first year pitcher from Oakville, Ontario. She held her own throughout the game, consistently displaying her skill and determination after pitching her first career shutout.

The Hawks will be facing off against Mohawk this Tuesday, September 27th at the Mohawk (3-7, 5^th OCAA) at the Sports Park in Hamilton. The double header games are scheduled to begin at 5:30 and 7:30.