[Alsfastball] University of Ottawa Softball (Women)

[Al Doran]

From: "Scott Searle" <Scottsearle at rogers.com>
To: "Al Doran" <fastball at pmihrm.com>
Subject: University of Ottawa Softball (Women)
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 21:33:39 -0400


Another solid weekend for the Gee-Gee's. They won both of their games to 
finish the season 11-4 which is good for second place as they prepare to 
host the best Ontario has to offer next weekend at the RA Center in Ottawa. 
Two very good games from the team makes them a credible threat to repeat 
their championship at home. With these two games the team seems to be 
peaking at the right time and has the paradoxical distinction of being the 
defending champions and also one of the leagues most improved teams. This 
improvement has been helped in large part from a coaching staff that 
includes Team Canada's Gil Read, Dave Tubman, Barry Beadow, and Donna 
Price. Dave is one of the best softball players in the Ottawa area and has 
played at the senior level with the Kemptville Thunder, Stittsville 56'ers, 
Durham Heat and the Waterloo Twins. Tubby is coming off back to back 
appearances in the ISC 2 World Tournament and the team has been thrilled to 
have his help. Barry Beadow and Donna Price have coached in the Ottawa area 
for years and have been very gracious donating their time and expertise in 
helping the team develop this season and we would like to take this 
opportunity to say a big thank you.

A great start to the day for the Gee- Gees as they played their first home 
game of the year against their cross-town rivals from Carleton. The team 
was treated to solid fan support, of particular note was the deputy umpire 
in chief of Saskatchewan and Gee Gee's fan who travelled all the way from 
home to watch the games. He has been following the team on Al's site and 
came out to see for himself! The team was looking to avenge their 6-5 loss 
to the Ravens two weeks ago in London and got off to a quick start with a 
1-0 lead in the first inning. Erin Durant who has been working hard with 
coach Genevieve Walkden on her slap, used her speed again to reach base and 
score the teams first run. Genevieve working her magic and the teams speed 
at the top of the order is a deadly combination. A sacfrice bunt from Sarah 
Thompson, who added rock solid defense at third base moved Erin into 
scoring position before being driven in on a single from Allison Hibbett. 
Allison continued to shine offensively, hitting the ball hard all day with 
several key hits to add to a very solid day in the outfield. The offense 
kept rolling as the team pushed across 7 runs. Nicky Dunlop had another 
solid day at the plate with a pair of RBI singles along with stellar 
defense at shortstop. Shannon Lundrigan continued to play extremely well at 
second base and added a clutch RBI single to cash in two runs in the 4th. 
While the team did score 7 runs the story of the game was pitching as 
defense as Erica Chan went 5 strong innings scattering 4 hits and holding a 
good hitting Carleton team to no runs. Ashley Sands came in and closed the 
game, getting the last 6 outs to pick up the save. The pitching was 
extremely good from the Gee Gee staff as all three of their aces had their 
A game. They were helped as usual against Carleton by a great game behind 
the plate calling pitches by Jen Blakely who was very effective in getting 
out some of her old teammates who play for Carleton. At first base Kerry 
was back to her old tricks, saving runs and outs, and infielders errors 
with her agility and stretching ability.Final score 7-0 for the Gee Gees.

The theme of strong defense and great pitching continued for the second 
game as the team faced Queens in the last regular season contest of the 
year. Lindsey Hutton took the ball for the Gee Gee's and was masterfull 
through 5 innings allowing only two hits and no runners past second base. 
She was ahead in every count, and put on a show with Sarah Thompson calling 
pitches behind the plate. Ashley Sands came in the game again for the final 
6 outs and after a brief scare in the 7th after two uncharacteristic Gee 
Gee errors allowed baserunners to reach 2nd and 3rd Ashley once again 
showed the ice water in her veins with a crucial strike out and a routine 
ground ball to get out of trouble. Ashley's poise in the circle and ability 
to take over a game is a remarkable asset to have coming off the bench and 
allows all Gee Gee fans to breathe easy! Offensively a strong wind blowing 
in from left field took away at least half a dozen hits from the Ottawa 
bats. Jen Leppard had a particulary frustrating afternoon, watching 3 solid 
hits turned into easy fly balls by the wind. Leppard had her usual 
excellent weekend defensively anchoring a young but very talented Gee Gee 
outfield. A string of singles from Shannon Lundrigan, who swung a hot bat 
all day, Lindsey Mclaughlin, and Allison Hibbett pushed across the teams 
first run in the 5th inning. Jessica Prot added a single in the 6th to a 
nifty play at third on a bunt. A very good way to end the regular season 
with a 2-0 win in a very tidy game.

The team moves on to the OIWFA Championships next week at the RA Center and 
will try to defend its title starting at 9:00 , 2:00 and 6:00 on Saturday 
October 23. It will prove to be a tough weekend for the team from Ottawa 
has history has shown that any team can win any game in this league. All 8 
teams that qualified are very strong and all have a legitimate chance at 
becoming the 2004 OIWFA champions. The Gee Gees will play the first game of 
the weekend at 9:00 Saturday morning and fan support would be much 
appreciated for any softball fans in Ottawa. The OIWFA is a very 
entertaining product and all fans so far have commented on the level of 
ball. Watch for further updates and media hits as the tournament gets 
closer. For further information please visit our website at 
www.eteamz.com/ottawaufastpitch .

For media inquiries please contact Scott Searle at:

837-0787



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