Softball earns postseason bye with split against Fanshawe
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fanshawe | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 11 | 0 |
|
Humber | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 2 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fanshawe | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
|
Humber | 0 | 3 | 6 | 3 | X | 12 | 10 | 3 |
By: Stefan Gerardi
Humber Athletics Communications
ETOBICOKE – On grad day for Brampton native Julie Kostuch, Humber softball (18-6, 2nd OCAA) split their doubleheader with the Fanshawe Falcons (15-7, 4th OCAA) to conclude the OCAA regular season. On a cold and windy Autumn afternoon, the Hawks knew they'd be in for a challenging twin bill against the Falcons. Fanshawe was a perfect 6-0 on the road coming into Connorvale Park and was one of only three teams the Hawks have lost to this season. Humber flipped the script in front of their home fans in game one as they put on an offensive clinic, hitting three home runs; however, game two was all Fanshawe as Humber was handed their sixth loss of the season.
Game One (Humber 12, Fanshawe 2 - 5 innings)
After a convincing first inning from the Falcons that put them ahead by one, the Hawks came storming back with the long ball in the bottom of the second. First-year shortstop, Amelia Russo, started the homerun party with one out in the inning after hitting a solo shot to left field. The Kelowna native's third home run of the year tied the game at one. After Michaela Tuck reached base on an error, veteran Hannah Koziolek would crush a two-run bomb to put the Hawks ahead 3-1 after two innings.
The floodgates would open in the bottom of the third inning as the Hawks took a commanding 9-1 lead over the Falcons. With two runners on, Jessica MacPherson would cash Christina D'Angelo on a single to right field for her 24th RBI of the year. The next batter, Rilee Devries, would ground into an RBI fielder's choice to bring Alexis Ferreira home. After Russo and Kostuch were walked to load the bases, Koziolek would step into the box and hit her second long ball of the game. The grand slam put the Hawks up eight runs and awarded Koziolek six RBIs for the game.
The Hawks would add three more insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth to evoke the mercy rule after Fanshawe failed to score two runs in the top of the fifth. Humber's Meagan Muir was lights-out on the mound tossing a complete game to record her third win of the year. The Brampton native threw 89 pitches for three strikeouts and allowed five hits over 5.0 innings pitched.
Game Two (Fanshawe 10, Humber 6)
With Cheyenne Sears on the mound for game two, the Hawks were looking to sweep Fanshawe to end their season on a high note. With the westerly wind continuing to roar, the Falcons had plans to spoil the Hawks' momentum from game one as they posted two runs in the top of the first inning.
In the third inning, the Hawks would cut Fanshawe's lead in half as Julie Kostuch hit a solo shot to left field in her last game at Connorvale Park. The Kinesiology major's home run was the second of her career. The next at-bat would see Hannah Koziolek single; however, the Hawks failed to capitalize and were still trailing by one going to the fourth inning.
The Hawks' defensive struggles would continue in the fifth inning as Fanshawe exploded offensively. The Falcons sent 11 batters to the plate and scored six runs on six hits and a Humber error. Fanshawe would add two more in the sixth inning.
The Hawks began chipping into Fanshawe's lead in the sixth inning as an Amelia Russo RBI single would bring Jessica MacPherson home. With two runners on, Julie Kostuch would keep rolling for the Hawks, hitting her second dinger of the game. The three-run shot brought the Hawks to within five with only the seventh inning left to complete a comeback.
The Hawks put pressure on offensively in the seventh, scoring a run, but couldn't mount a comeback. The Hawks fell 10-6, but the victory in game one was good enough to put Humber into the OCAA final four.
Humber Highlights
- The Hawks have concluded the 2022 season with a 7-3 record at Connorvale Park.
- After six seasons as bench boss, Humber coach Duaine Bowles' record is 104-53.
- Game one vs. Fanshawe saw Humber tie a program record for most home runs in a game with three.
- The 2022 Hawks have established a new program record for most mercies in a season with nine.
- The Hawks improve to 17-15 all-time against the Fanshawe Falcons.
What's Next?
Humber softball will be looking for their fourth OCAA championship as the three-day playoff tournament begins Oct. 20. With a victory over post-season hosts Fanshawe this afternoon, the Hawks have clinched second place in the OCAA and were awarded a bye to the final four. Humber will play on Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.
