The sun was not the only thing shining bright as the Humber softball team continued its strong season against the St. Clair Saints during a double-header on Sunday, Oct. 4.
The Hawks won both games, with the first game going down to the wire 4-3, and the second game 8-0 at Connorvale Park inToronto.
The two teams last met in September, when the Hawks survived a late near comeback against the Saints 7-6.
In the last game Hawks played, they fell to the Fanshawe Falcons at Hamilton. St. Clair ended the month of September with a win against the Sheridan Bruins.
Hawks coach Duaine Bowles turned to fifth-year right-hander Makayla Benz to be the starting pitcher for the Hawks in Game 1.
Right-fielder Rilee Rothwell tripled to center field and shortstop Jessica Benz singled to shortstop to give Humber its first lead of the day 2-0.
In the top of the third inning, St. Clair got on the scoreboard, when catcher Kamryn Coombs singled to center field, earning an RBI.
Humber would increase its lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Centre-fielder Claire McKay walked with an RBI.
St. Clair rallied back into the game in the top of the fifth inning, with Coombs reaching first on an error, and third-baseman Ashley Marchand singled but advanced to second on another error to make the score tied 3-3.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, pinch-runner Jessica La Ronde replaced first-baseman Chantal Carriere, after a double to center field. La Ronde would end up stealing third base to put herself in scoring position.
Third-baseman Reese Velocci was the hero of game one as she hit the game-winning sacrifice bunt to get the Hawks back in the lead 4-3.
In the top of the seventh inning, fourth-year pitcher Shade Hansen replaced Benz, ending her afternoon with eight strikeouts.
Hansen earned a save and struck out two Saints players to give the Hawks their first win of the doubleheader.
The second game of the doubleheader wasn’t a contest.
Hansen made the start for Game 2.
Humber began its offense with a three-run double by catcher Blair Naughton, and left-fielder Karsyn Wilkes would add another run with a double to make the lead 4-0 in the bottom of the second inning.
The offense would continue in the next inning, with a sacrifice fly from first-baseman Chantal Carriere, and a single to left field from second-baseman Peyton Fitzgerald, to make the score 6-0.
Designated hitter Maddy Friesen would increase the lead 7-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning, with a single.
To cap off the offense, Velocci continued her dominant performance by hitting a home run to seal the second victory of the doubleheader.
Velocci ended the day with three hits, two runs, two RBIs, and one home run.
She said that the team really contributed and helped them throughout the day.
“I feel like we just feed off each other with the energy.”
“It keeps us each other motivated.”
Rilee Rothwell said that it was good to win these games.
“We’ve been struggling for the past couple games,” said Rothwell.
“Being able to win both games, that was really big for us today.”
Rothwell ended the doubleheader with three hits, two runs, and an RBI.
The Hawks look to play another doubleheader against the Sheridan Bruins at Connorvale Park on Thursday, Oct. 15.
The last time both teams played each other was in September in Kitchener. The Hawks came away with the victory.
Rothwell said that the team will be okay and ready to go up against Sheridan.
“I think we just have to bring the energy, and everyone will be okay.”
