FW: UOttawa Womens

[Al's Fastball News]

Hot Gee-Gees look to extend softball streak
Created On: October 1, 2011 

The Ottawa Gee-Gees slid their way up the OUA standings last
weekend with four wins in four games, and they’ll hope to continue
that streak this Saturday and Sunday at home against Guelph and
Toronto. Photo: Dan Plouffe
 
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By Dan Plouffe
 
The last time the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees softball team
was at home two weekends ago, coach Scott Searle saw his young
team as a bit of a work in progress as his squad dropped three
of four against Laurier and Waterloo.

Turns out that progress came a bit quicker than expected, as
the Gee-Gees now head back into town riding a four-game winning
streak thanks to road victories they grinded out last weekend
in double-headers against McMaster and Guelph.

“Absolutely we have the horses,” says Searle, who was after
tactical, communication and focus improvements from his players.
“It’s one of the most physically talented groups I’ve ever
had and they’re all the nicest people in the world to coach
and work with.”

The Gee-Gees added eight rookies to their lineup this year, including
Ontario Midget MVP Jean Cordona – a star on the mound and at
the plate in last weekend’s wins – 2010 Ottawa Sports Awards
softball athlete of the year Grace Lonergan and Midget Team Quebec
member Chelsea Moran.

Add five more players who are just entering their second years
with the squad and it’s understandable why there can be some
moments where a lack of experience shows itself despite players’
abundance of ability.

“We have those dribs and drabs with a lot of rookies playing
together and people are still a little tentative, but once we
get that fixed, I think we’re going to do well,” explains
Searle, whose club last won an Ontario University Athletics title
in 2004. “I think we have the talent and the physical skills
to make a really good run at the championship.”

One big piece to the puzzle for Ottawa U is Jillian Taylor, who
rejoins the Gee-Gees after completing her bachelor of education
in 2010. The 25-year-old pitching ace is now working on an education
Masters degree while supply teaching with the Ottawa Catholic
School Board.

Softball wasn’t originally part of the plan for Taylor, although
she couldn’t resist the lure after watching the Canadian championships
from the stands this past summer.

“I was sitting there watching it, and I really missed it, so
I decided to come out and play in the fall,” Taylor recounts.
“It’s good to be back on the diamond and it’s fun. The
girls are great. 
"I feel a little old sometimes, but the (young players) are really
committed and energetic, so it’s good to be a part of this
team even if I am older.”

While Taylor can be counted on as a big-time leader for the Gee-Gees,
they’ve also added a ton of experience to their coaching staff
thanks to 2008 Olympian Robin Mackin, who is studying medicine
at Ottawa U after finishing pre-med at Fresno State and Nebraska.

“It helps to get back into things having a coach like that,”
Taylor notes, adding that Mackin is not only a great role model
for the young players, but also very approachable. “Because
I haven’t pitched all summer, it’s little things like I’ll
try to put a certain spin on the ball and I won’t understand
why it’s not working, and she’ll immediately come over right
away and tell me what’s wrong. She’s really knowledgeable.”

With just one more road trip after this weekend's matches prior
to the provincial championships Oct. 22-24 in London, Ont., Taylor
likes the look of this Gee-Gees team and expects they’ll be
in the running for the top spot.

“I think we have a good chance, I really do,” says the former
Orleans Rebel. “People put in a lot of their own personal time
and effort along with how much time it takes as a team to practice
and prepare. Along with the skill, I think we have a good chance.”

The 8-6 Gee-Gees host Toronto Saturday at 2 p.m. for a double-header
and then take on Guelph Sunday at noon for another pair of games.
All games are at Alexander Grove in Kanata. The 0-14 Carleton
Ravens are also in action against the same opponents on reverse
days.


 
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable
man persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore
all progress depends on the unreasonable 
-George Bernard Shaw


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