Long ball lifts Humber Softball over Conestoga at '21 home opener

By: Eli Ridder
Humber Athletics Communications

ETOBICOKE — Humber softball put on an offensive clinic for its fans, ringing in the 2021 home opener with a doubleheader sweep over Conestoga (2-10, 6th OCAA). Behind some dominant pitching, aggressive base running, and five home runs, the Hawks plated 25 runners during the twin bill. Hayley Pasma was the offensive star on the night, finishing 6-for-8 with two home runs and five RBIs.

Before the games started, Humber held a special ceremony for softball alumnae Jacquline O'Quinn. The two-time provincial champion (2012, 2013) was given a banner and threw out the opening pitch after being announced as one of the selections for the 2022 Humber Varsity Hall of Fame class. 

Game One: Humber 9, Conestoga 0

Humber's offensive struggles to begin the season carried over into the beginning of game one, as the Hawks had a golden opportunity to get on the board in the second inning. With the bases loaded and nobody out, the Hawks failed to score and stranded all three runners. 

It did not take long for the Hawks to forget and consecutive doubles by Alexis Ferreira, Alexa Vassos and Michaela Tuck gave Humber a three-run lead in the third inning. 

The flood gates opened two innings later when Humber combined for six hits - three of which left the park. Team home run leader Alexis Ferreira got the hit parade started, lifting her third big fly of the season out to right-centre field. Two batters later, rookie Michaela Tuck turned on an inside pitch that she crushed down the left-field line and inside the foul pole for her first career OCAA home run. 

After Samantha Ferreira tripled and Christina D'Angelo picked up an RBI single, Hayley Pasma stepped in the box. The righty turned on a high-inside pitch, launching her first home run of the season out of the park and into the treeline.

Meagan Muir got the nod in game one, throwing three innings of shutout ball. Kadyn Wotton came on in relief, picking up her second win of the season only giving up one hit over four innings of work.

Game Two: Humber 16, Conestoga 4

Humber's offence wasted little time getting on the board in the night game, posting five runs in the opening frame.

Already with two hits in the game, Hayley Pasma smacked her second home run of the night in the third inning, crushing a pitch to deep centre field for the solo shot. 

Mikaela Moore started in the circle for Humber in game two, allowing one hit in four innings of work. Looking to close out the game, Coach Bowles turned another rookie arm, Cheyenne Sears to end the game for the Hawks. Conestoga was able to get some weak contact off of the Cambridge native, scoring four runs to extend the game. 

With one out in the home half of the fifth inning, Sears stayed in the game for her first career OCAA plate appearance. With the bases loaded, all she needed was a base hit to end the game. Instead, the rookie unloaded on the second pitch she saw, drilling a deep fly ball to the opposite field for a walk-off grand slam.

Jorja Berney and Alexa Vassos both collected two hits in the win, while Vassos added a season-high three RBIs.

Humber Highlights

• Alexis Ferreira's home run was her third of the season and sixth of her career - moving her into second place all-time on Humber's career home run list. Her three big flies this season tie the program's single-season home run record.
• Hayley Pasma's big day improves her batting average on the season to .455 - the ninth-best average in the conference. Her .970 slugging percentage is the highest mark in the OCAA.
• Another swiped bag from Alexa Vassos increases her career stolen base record to 21.
• The Hawks improve to 31-11 all-time against Conestoga

What's Next?

Humber will head on the road to take on Fanshawe (5-3, 4th OCAA) on October 3. Game one is scheduled for noon.