Softball captures CCSA bronze medal in British Columbia

LANGFORD, BC – For the first time in program history, Humber softball is leaving the CCSA national championship with a medal. The Hawks battled from behind to defeat the UBC-Okanagan Heat Sunday afternoon to capture the bronze medal, 6-4.

Meagan Muir earned the victory, while Shade Hansen picked up the save in relief. Rookie Reese Velocci led the squad at the dish with three hits and Michaela Tuck's clutch two-run double in the fifth inning gave Humber the lead for good.

Game Recap – Humber 6, UBC0 4

With a chance to win the first medal in team history, Humber desperately needed its offence to return to form. Outside of the Queen's round-robin mercy, the Hawks entered the bronze medal game, hitting 0.124 (12-for-97) as a team in four games.

After a quick inning and a half, the Heat got on the board with a solo home run in the home half of the second inning.

The Hawks didn't respond until the fourth inning when senior Hannah Koziolek led off the frame with a single to centre field, later stealing second base to get into scoring position. With two outs, rookie Angelina Bomberry drove a pitch back through the middle to tie the game.

After UBCO retook the lead in the home half of the inning, Humber responded again. Alexis Ferreira walked, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error and Velocci tied it up with a single to left field. Humber would capitalize on a dropped third strike when Tuck recorded another two-run double to the left centre gap. Melissa Hahnfeld followed that up with a single to left, giving the Hawks a three-run lead.

With the lead, Meagan Muir gave Humber exactly what it needed and slammed the door shut in the fifth with a 1-2-3 inning.

With a one-run lead, the Hawks added an important insurance run in the top of the seventh inning. Pinch running after another Velocci single, Mikaela Moore scored from first on a single to the wall by Hannah Koziolek.

With the tying run at the dish, Shade Hansen struck out Pepin to seal the win, as Humber captured the bronze medal.

Reese Velocci and Rilee Devries were named to the All-Tournament team.

Tournament Highlights

• Reese Velocci led the team with a .474 batting average and nine RBIs.
• Humber improves to 8-11 at the CCSA tournament during the Coach Bowles era.
• Meagan Muir finished with two wins for Humber, while the pitching staff combined for a 2.58 ERA.

What's Next?

Humber will return to OCAA action on Oct. 14 with a trip to southern Ontario to take on the St. Clair Saints and Lambton Lions.