HAMILTON, Ont. - The big inning was the story in wins by Mohawk and Humber, in OCAA women's softball at Mohawk Sports Park Sunday, Sept. 24.
The Mountaineers scored five times in the first inning, then rode the exceptional arm of Aimee Leduc, in a 6-2 decision over the Hawks, in Game 1. A two-run triple by Shanien O'Neill highlighted the quick outburst, with MacKenzie Phillpot, Courtney Cole and Emma Nordoff also driving in runs in the first frame.
The Mohawk lead got to six runs in the sixth inning after O'Neill stroked an RBI double. Some sloppy fielding fielding in the seventh and final inning cost Leduc a shutout, with Kyra Gay and Jenna Hillman driving in Hawks' runs. Leduc picked up the win and Rachel Matheson-Green was saddled with the loss.
In the second game, Leduc was out there on the rubber again and put up first and second inning blanks, but then got in trouble and was relieved by O'Neil in the third. Humber scored five runs in the third inning, three in the fourth and two more in the fifth frame, as the mercy rule kicked in with the Hawks up 10-0.
In the third frame, Elisa Gregoris had an RBI single, a wild pitch plated another run, Sarah Franchetto contributed a sacrifice fly, Bonnie Gillingham had an RBI single and Meaghan Murphy walked with the bases loaded.
In the fourth, Fianchetto singled home a run and Murphy once again walked with the bases loaded. In the Humber fifth, Gillingham doubled in a pair to end the scoring.
Myranda Pierson was the winning pitcher for the Hawks. Leduc was charged with the defeat. Mohawk's record moved to 4-8 and Humber improved to 8-4.
Mountaineers' head coach Todd Bannister was understandably pleased with Game 1 and the performance by Leduc. "Aimee pitched a fantastic game, probably one of the better games of her Mohawk career," Bannister said.
As for the one-sided loss in the nightcap, the coach said, "Humber's got a great team. They came out hitting the ball extremely well and we just didn't bring our 'A' game.
The Mountaineers will be back at Mohawk Sports Park Wednesday, Sept. 27 when Fanshawe checks in for games at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Source: Mohawk College