Posted: Sep 29, 2017

HAWKS WOMEN'S SOFTBALL MID-SEASON REPORT

MID-SEASON REPORT

By: Tyler Milton

ETOBICOKE, ON: The Hawks have reached the midpoint of their 2017 OCAA schedule. Humber's 2017 campaign (8-4) has seen them improve on their record through their first 12 games from last season (5-7). With 12 games remaining on their regular season schedule, the Hawks have a legitimate shot at finishing first in the OCAA going into provincials which are being hosted by Humber.

THE FIRST 12

So far, Humber has played each of the six OCAA teams in their circuit. The Hawks started out hot, with four wins against Seneca and Conestoga, scoring 25 runs and allowing only two. Since then, Humber has been a bit like a teeter totter, splitting each of the next four series with Fanshawe, St. Clair, Durham and Mohawk. The offense has scored 73 runs through the first 12 games, just over six runs per game. On the other side of the ball, the pitchers have allowed 45 runs against, approaching four runs per game.

When asked, Head Coach Duaine Bowles highlighted the things he was impressed with so far, as well as, the things he would like to see improved on. "The thing that's impressed me the most is our resolve and unwillingness to be swept so far. We made a fundamental adjustment this offseason to be more productive especially with runners in scoring position. And for the most part we've done that. Something that has to be improved on is our attention to detail in game one of the double header. Especially offensively! If we could have done that we'd probably only have 1 or 2 losses thus far. So if we can do that down the stretch I think we'll be in a better position to make a run at the Banner"

HOME/ROAD SPLITS

Six games at home, six on the road.

Record

Home – 4-2
Away – 4-2

Offensively

Average – Home (.340), Away (.269)
Hits – Home (53), Away (50)
Runs – Home (33), Away (40)

Pitching

ERA – Home (2.48), Away (4.50)
IP – Home (40), Away (42)
Strikeouts – Home (19), Away (14)
Walks – Home (8), Away (18)

Defensively

Fielding Percentage – Home (.941), Away (.871)
Errors – Home (11), Away (9)

TEAM LEADERS

Offensively

At-Bats

Hits

Extra base hits

RBI

AVG

OBP

Pitching

Wins

Saves

Innings Pitched

Strikeouts

ERA

HAWK NOTES

As a staff the Hawks pitchers are on pace to shave off more than a run per game from their last year's totals
The Hawks are on pace for a 16-8 season (.667 win percentage) the best since the 2013 team went 12-3 (.800 winning percentage)
Humber also won the OCAA championship in 2013
Offensively, as a team, Humber's 6.08 runs per game ranks them tied for second in the OCAA this season.

MAKING HISTORY

Humber's hit Queen, Bonnie Gillingham, collected her 100^th career hit on September 24, 2017.
Ace Myranda Pierson collects her second career no-no as she no-hit the Mohawk Mountaineers on September 24, 2017.

THE NEXT 12

The Hawks are on the road for the next six games, starting this Saturday in London against Fanshawe. After Thanksgiving, Humber is home for six games in four days, starting with Durham College on October 12^th. It is imperative for the Hawks to continue to build on the momentum they have created in the first half of the season to make a run at first place, and an OCAA Championship on home turf.

FROM MY SEAT IN THE STANDS

Through the first 12 games, I have seen the highs and the lows of these Hawks. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives on both sides of the ball. The perseverance, tenacity and grit that the ladies bring game in and game out is a testament to their hard work and the work of the coaching staff.

Some of the things I love most about this squad includes: their energy, their heart, their grit, and their team first mentality. In terms of the energy they bring on a game to game basis, the Hawks are louder, and are more excited to show up to the diamond ready to win. From the constant cheering, to the smiles on all of the girls faces, from first to last pitch they are a notch above their competition in terms of want and will to win the game. The passion they have for the game translates to bringing an atmosphere that is positive and productive to allow the girls to succeed. The heart and grit that the girls showed against a Durham squad in which, they defeated in the 11^th inning, illustrated to me the passion they have for not only the game they love but for each other. Lastly, their "team first mentality" starts at the top. From Head Coach Duaine Bowles to each player on the roster, no player is above the team and above the game. The Hawks ability to put the team above all else is something that not just good teams have, but great teams that want to win and to win a lot.

Going forward, I would like to see a better effort in game ones by the Hawks. I am unsure if it's an effort/focus thing or if it's a physical thing. Offensively, in game one of their double headers, the Hawks have averaged just over three runs of offense. It's tough to win ball games with limited offense; it puts a real strain on the defense and of the pitching staff to execute on each pitch/play. While their team-first mentality has been great, I think their "team" at-bats could improve. Having pitchers throw deeper in counts, moving a runner over, bringing a runner in, those are all examples of an at-bat that benefits the team. The Hawks have had games with a high number of good quality team at-bats but the consistency of them needs to improve.

The Hawks are in a good position currently, and can only look to improve in all facets of the game. For these girls, you can feel their drive and determination to win an OCAA championship is at an all-time high. With the OCAA Championship coming in a few weeks' time, you can expect Duaine Bowles and his staff to ensure the girls will be ready. One pitch, one game, one series at a time. The fun is just about to start for these girls and let's hope the next 12 games are just as entertaining as the first 12.

HAWKS WOMEN'S SOFTBALL MID-SEASON REPORT

Humber College