GeeGees Women finish 4th at University Provincials
from Scott Searle
Disappointing Final Weekend for Gee-Gees
Disappointing final weekend for Gee-Gees as they finished the season at the OIWFA Championships in Toronto. The team fell short of their goal of winning the OIWFA Championship. Despite this the 2006 season must still be considered a success as the team accomplished all of their goals leading up to the final weekend.
Game 1
Ottawa 3 vs York 2
A rejuvenated York squad held the potent Gee-Gee offence to just 3 hits and 4 base runners though the first 6 innings but the cardiac kids came alive in the bottom of the 7th with singles off the bats of Vanessa Homiak and Erin Durant followed by a triple to the gap by Sarah Thompson to tie the game at 2. The Gee-Gees exuded confidence with 2006 League All-Star Lindsay Mclaughlin stepping up to the plate but the York pitcher was able to induce a pop out to second base. Gee-Gees RBI leader Sam Pantalone seemed to spook the Lion’s catcher who made a throwing error on a pick-off attempt to allow the winning run to score and complete the comeback for the Gee-Gees. Congratulations are in order to the entire York team and their coaching staff led by former Gee-Gees Brian Robertson and Genevieve Walkden who did a great job on the weekend. Ashley Sands took the win for the Gee-Gees behind a very strong outing, allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs.
Game 2
Ottawa 5 vs Windsor 6
The Gee-Gees squared off against a much-improved Windsor team than the one they faced opening weekend looking to take control of their division. The story of the game was the lack luster defensive effort on behalf of the Garnet and Grey, combined with several uncharacteristic base running mistakes made it a tough game for everyone involved. The Gee-Gee's defense had a total of 5 errors leading to 4 Windsor runs while our base runners made a few very costly mistakes by running into outs in the early innings. Jill Taylor got the start and pitched very well scattering 6 hits over 7 innings. Despite a rough game, the Gee-Gees made it interesting in the 7th inning with a strong comeback attempt with the final score 6-5. Erin Durant was 2/3 at the dish while Sam Pantalone once again proved her mettle in clutch situations and was 1/4 with 2 RBI's. The story of the game was the confidence the Gee-Gees took away in their team, knowing they could score at anytime and putting that thought into the rest of the competition. There are no easy outs on this team.
Game 3
Ottawa 8 McMaster 1
After a fantastic dinner courtesy of the all too-kind McLaughlin family, the team returned to the diamond in a must-win situation. The team faced a good deal of adversity leading into the game. Due to the facilities provided by the host team, there was only one lit diamond so all evening games would be played at one park. This caused a major delay as the Windsor-McMaster game had to be delayed and moved under the lights. This pushed the Ottawa-McMaster game, already scheduled for 8:30 to 9:15. The team was not able to warm-up properly for lack of adequate lighting and was forced to wait in the cold and watch the end of the early game. To kill time, the team played dodge ball but were forced to listen to Assistant Coach, Scott Searle sing “You are my sunshine” as punishment for hurting a player with a waffle ball. Despite these drawbacks the team put together their best performance of the weekend racing to an 8-1 game that was stopped after 5 innings. Every athlete scored a run behind offensive leaders Vanessa Homiak who was ½ with two runs scored and Erin Mulvihill, 1/1 with a pair of walks and RBI’s. Allie Rutherford also scored a pair of runs for the Gee-Gees. Ashley Sands reveled under the lights throwing a 1-hitter and striking out 9 of 15 batters. A very impressive performance from a very talented pitcher. The Gee-Gees appeared to be peaking at the right time heading into Sunday.
The team would like to send a major thank you at this time to the McLaughlin family. They welcomed all 15 athletes to their home for our 3 weekends in the GTA and provided delicious meals for a group of rowdy university students. The team would not have been able to function at many times without their support and will be forever in their debt. They are without a doubt one of the most kind, generous families I have ever had the pleasure to meet and would like to extend my personal gratitude in addition to the teams for their help and support over the years.
Lindsey McLaughlin and Sam Pantalone were awarded 2006 League MVP awards before the game.
Game 4
Ottawa 4 vs Toronto 7
100% chance of rain came through Saturday night as the fields were wet and sloppy. A giant effort from Ottawa, Windsor, and Western coaches helped ensure the games would go on. We would also like to thank publicly, Brian Robertson and Stacey Lymer from York who pitched in to help ensure the diamonds would be safe to play on. The games were moved to the 3rd Birchwood diamond without lights or fences.The rivalry continued in the semi-final between U of T and Ottawa after a short rain delay and the Gee-Gee bats started where they left off as the Garnet and Grey jumped a 3-0 after two innings. With Jill Taylor on the mound, throwing a gem, the Gee-Gees seemed in control in the fifth up 3-1 but an error then a bunt single put runners on 1st and 3rd Jillian was replaced in favour of Game Three star Ashley Sands. Jillian suffered from bad luck on the weekend as she had two stellar starts wasted; she allowed the powerful Toronto offence only 2 hits in 5 innings before giving way to Ashley. Ashley had a rough welcome to the game with a hit batter and a walk loaded the bases before a pair of singles stretched the Blues lead to 6-3. The Gee-Gees cut the lead to 2 behind a Homiak double but Toronto put it out of reach in the top of the 7th with another run. Vanessa Homiak who was 3/4 with an RBI and run scored received MVP honours. Vanessa has been a very welcome addition to the team, and always seems to play her best when the team needs her most.
Congratulations to the University of Toronto for coming out on top of what must be one of the most heated rivalries in the OIWFA and advancing to the final.
A very big congratulations are also in order for the University of Western Ontario who won their first OIWFA Championship. This is a very well-deserved victory by a very classy program. We are looking forward to heading to Byron in 2007 to once again seek the top prize.
A sad day for the Gee-Gees as they say good-bye to two of the most recognizable players from their 5 year history. Champagne corks will be popping all over Ontario from opposing teams as Lindsey McLaughlin and Nicole Dunlop competed in their last game in a Gee-Gee uniform. These are the only two remaining athletes from the 2003 Championship team and have been some of the driving forces behind the teams success throughout their history. The most rewarding aspect of coaching over the past 5 years has been developing relationships with a group of very special people and I am very proud to have coached these two athletes and am honoured to call them both friends. These athletes are very special people and excellent models for what University Sport is about. You will be missed.
Fans of the Gee-Gees can look forward to 2007 as the team will re-load for another run to the Championship. Stellar rookies, Vanessa Homiak, Erin Mulvihill and Allie Rutherford will be returning to the Garnet and Grey as the team changes shape, but keeps the same goals. The team will be stellar in the circle as usual as they welcome back all 4 pitchers from 2006. Ashley Sands, Jill Taylor, Elissa Sivel, and Isabelle Richard will be back to cause opposing batters fits. One of the most explosive offences in the OIWFA will be back in action with Sam Pantalone, Allison Hibbett, Jen Alexander, Erin Durant and Sarah Thompson reunited to test opposing pitchers.
Watch our website in the off-season for updates on the team and information on how to try out for the 2007 version of the Gee-Gees.
Disappointing Final Weekend for Gee-Gees
Disappointing final weekend for Gee-Gees as they finished the season at the OIWFA Championships in Toronto. The team fell short of their goal of winning the OIWFA Championship. Despite this the 2006 season must still be considered a success as the team accomplished all of their goals leading up to the final weekend.
Game 1
Ottawa 3 vs York 2
A rejuvenated York squad held the potent Gee-Gee offence to just 3 hits and 4 base runners though the first 6 innings but the cardiac kids came alive in the bottom of the 7th with singles off the bats of Vanessa Homiak and Erin Durant followed by a triple to the gap by Sarah Thompson to tie the game at 2. The Gee-Gees exuded confidence with 2006 League All-Star Lindsay Mclaughlin stepping up to the plate but the York pitcher was able to induce a pop out to second base. Gee-Gees RBI leader Sam Pantalone seemed to spook the Lion’s catcher who made a throwing error on a pick-off attempt to allow the winning run to score and complete the comeback for the Gee-Gees. Congratulations are in order to the entire York team and their coaching staff led by former Gee-Gees Brian Robertson and Genevieve Walkden who did a great job on the weekend. Ashley Sands took the win for the Gee-Gees behind a very strong outing, allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs.
Game 2
Ottawa 5 vs Windsor 6
The Gee-Gees squared off against a much-improved Windsor team than the one they faced opening weekend looking to take control of their division. The story of the game was the lack luster defensive effort on behalf of the Garnet and Grey, combined with several uncharacteristic base running mistakes made it a tough game for everyone involved. The Gee-Gee's defense had a total of 5 errors leading to 4 Windsor runs while our base runners made a few very costly mistakes by running into outs in the early innings. Jill Taylor got the start and pitched very well scattering 6 hits over 7 innings. Despite a rough game, the Gee-Gees made it interesting in the 7th inning with a strong comeback attempt with the final score 6-5. Erin Durant was 2/3 at the dish while Sam Pantalone once again proved her mettle in clutch situations and was 1/4 with 2 RBI's. The story of the game was the confidence the Gee-Gees took away in their team, knowing they could score at anytime and putting that thought into the rest of the competition. There are no easy outs on this team.
Game 3
Ottawa 8 McMaster 1
After a fantastic dinner courtesy of the all too-kind McLaughlin family, the team returned to the diamond in a must-win situation. The team faced a good deal of adversity leading into the game. Due to the facilities provided by the host team, there was only one lit diamond so all evening games would be played at one park. This caused a major delay as the Windsor-McMaster game had to be delayed and moved under the lights. This pushed the Ottawa-McMaster game, already scheduled for 8:30 to 9:15. The team was not able to warm-up properly for lack of adequate lighting and was forced to wait in the cold and watch the end of the early game. To kill time, the team played dodge ball but were forced to listen to Assistant Coach, Scott Searle sing “You are my sunshine” as punishment for hurting a player with a waffle ball. Despite these drawbacks the team put together their best performance of the weekend racing to an 8-1 game that was stopped after 5 innings. Every athlete scored a run behind offensive leaders Vanessa Homiak who was ½ with two runs scored and Erin Mulvihill, 1/1 with a pair of walks and RBI’s. Allie Rutherford also scored a pair of runs for the Gee-Gees. Ashley Sands reveled under the lights throwing a 1-hitter and striking out 9 of 15 batters. A very impressive performance from a very talented pitcher. The Gee-Gees appeared to be peaking at the right time heading into Sunday.
The team would like to send a major thank you at this time to the McLaughlin family. They welcomed all 15 athletes to their home for our 3 weekends in the GTA and provided delicious meals for a group of rowdy university students. The team would not have been able to function at many times without their support and will be forever in their debt. They are without a doubt one of the most kind, generous families I have ever had the pleasure to meet and would like to extend my personal gratitude in addition to the teams for their help and support over the years.
Lindsey McLaughlin and Sam Pantalone were awarded 2006 League MVP awards before the game.
Game 4
Ottawa 4 vs Toronto 7
100% chance of rain came through Saturday night as the fields were wet and sloppy. A giant effort from Ottawa, Windsor, and Western coaches helped ensure the games would go on. We would also like to thank publicly, Brian Robertson and Stacey Lymer from York who pitched in to help ensure the diamonds would be safe to play on. The games were moved to the 3rd Birchwood diamond without lights or fences.The rivalry continued in the semi-final between U of T and Ottawa after a short rain delay and the Gee-Gee bats started where they left off as the Garnet and Grey jumped a 3-0 after two innings. With Jill Taylor on the mound, throwing a gem, the Gee-Gees seemed in control in the fifth up 3-1 but an error then a bunt single put runners on 1st and 3rd Jillian was replaced in favour of Game Three star Ashley Sands. Jillian suffered from bad luck on the weekend as she had two stellar starts wasted; she allowed the powerful Toronto offence only 2 hits in 5 innings before giving way to Ashley. Ashley had a rough welcome to the game with a hit batter and a walk loaded the bases before a pair of singles stretched the Blues lead to 6-3. The Gee-Gees cut the lead to 2 behind a Homiak double but Toronto put it out of reach in the top of the 7th with another run. Vanessa Homiak who was 3/4 with an RBI and run scored received MVP honours. Vanessa has been a very welcome addition to the team, and always seems to play her best when the team needs her most.
Congratulations to the University of Toronto for coming out on top of what must be one of the most heated rivalries in the OIWFA and advancing to the final.
A very big congratulations are also in order for the University of Western Ontario who won their first OIWFA Championship. This is a very well-deserved victory by a very classy program. We are looking forward to heading to Byron in 2007 to once again seek the top prize.
A sad day for the Gee-Gees as they say good-bye to two of the most recognizable players from their 5 year history. Champagne corks will be popping all over Ontario from opposing teams as Lindsey McLaughlin and Nicole Dunlop competed in their last game in a Gee-Gee uniform. These are the only two remaining athletes from the 2003 Championship team and have been some of the driving forces behind the teams success throughout their history. The most rewarding aspect of coaching over the past 5 years has been developing relationships with a group of very special people and I am very proud to have coached these two athletes and am honoured to call them both friends. These athletes are very special people and excellent models for what University Sport is about. You will be missed.
Fans of the Gee-Gees can look forward to 2007 as the team will re-load for another run to the Championship. Stellar rookies, Vanessa Homiak, Erin Mulvihill and Allie Rutherford will be returning to the Garnet and Grey as the team changes shape, but keeps the same goals. The team will be stellar in the circle as usual as they welcome back all 4 pitchers from 2006. Ashley Sands, Jill Taylor, Elissa Sivel, and Isabelle Richard will be back to cause opposing batters fits. One of the most explosive offences in the OIWFA will be back in action with Sam Pantalone, Allison Hibbett, Jen Alexander, Erin Durant and Sarah Thompson reunited to test opposing pitchers.
Watch our website in the off-season for updates on the team and information on how to try out for the 2007 version of the Gee-Gees.
posted by fitzroyfastball | 10/26/2006 12:00:00 pm
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