Softball splits 2023 home opener

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

ETOBICOKE – Humber softball split its home opener game Sunday afternoon at Connorvale Park, falling to St. Clair in game one, 13-6, then rebounding to defeat Sheridan 6-1.

Alexis Ferreira led the Hawks offensively, recording four hits during the twin bill. Rookie Shade Hansen picked up her second win in as many days and after the opening weekend to the 2023 season, the Hawks sit in third place with a 3-1 record.

Game One (St. Clair Saints 13, Humber Hawks 6)

The first inning was not easy for the Hawks; the Saints put three runs ahead on the score, with Bryanna Kressler hitting a double and driving two players home. Humber pitcher Meagan Muir came in clutch to stop St. Clair from scoring any more runs in the first inning, with two back-to-back outs.

The Hawks' offensive game came alive in the fourth inning with second-year Melissa Hahnfeld hitting a home run and driving Hannah Koziolek home.

When the game seemed to be tight, the defending champions showed their great offence. The Saints scored four runs in the fifth inning, with Kressler hitting their second double of the game. But, when the match seemed to be over, Humber Softball struck back in the same inning. Devries scored a home run, once again bringing Koziolek home, followed by a home run by the 2022 OCAA first-team all-star, Ferreira.

Unfortunately, the Hawks could not tie the game, and St. Clair added six more runs to the score. The Hawks battled hard until the end, with Devries adding one more home run to her career, but the home opener game ended with a loss, 13-6.

Game Two (Humber Hawks 6, Sheridan Bruins 1)

In the third inning, Koziolek hit an amazing home run to drive first-year Reese Velocci all the way from first base to home. Koziolek led the Hawks to the win, finishing two-for-four hitting a home run and a triple in the second match.

The Hawks had a chance to add runs to the score in the sixth inning, with the bases loaded, but Bruins' pitcher Payton Barkley was able to escape the frame without allowing a run.

After two more runs in the last inning, Humber ended Sunday matchday winning against the Sheridan Bruins, 6-1.

The Bruins could not find a solution to beat the pitches from rookie Shade Hansen. Hansen had an incredible performance, allowing Sheridan to score only a single run.

Fresh off of her 16 strikeout performance, Shade Hansen put together another incredible performance, firing six innings, allowing one unearned run while adding another nine punchouts. Zoe Scougall came on in relief, picking up a strikeout without allowing a run in the seventh inning.

Humber Highlights

• In game one against St. Clair, Melissa Hahnfeld recorded her first career home run. 
• The Hawks improve to 4-0 all-time against Sheridan.
• Rilee Devries now sits seventh all-time in home runs for Humber.
• Through two games, Hansen leads the OCAA with 25 strikeouts. 

What's next?

The Hawks (3-1) will head up to North York on Sept. 14 for a doubleheader against the Seneca Sting (2-2). First pitch is set for 6 p.m.