The Gaels swept the York University Lions on Saturday before scoring a win and a loss in a two-game series against the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold, closing the weekend with a 3-1 record.
Game one against York set the tone thanks to a standout performance from pitcher Maddie Hickingbottom, JD ’28, who struck out 15 batters and allowed just one run in a 2-1 Queen’s victory. Toryn Bosanko, Kin ’28, led the Gaels with two hits, while Ausha Guzzwell, ConEd ’27, swiped a pair of bases to spark the offence.
The bats exploded in game two, where Queen’s hammered York 17-7. Abi Poland, ArtSci ’27, starred at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI, while Tianna Hope, ArtSci ’28 chipped in with a timely hit during an eight-run third inning. Michelle Rath, ArtSci ’28, earned the win on the mound.
Sunday brought tougher competition, with game two against TMU. The Gaels dropped the opener 6-4 despite another double-digit strikeout performance from Hickingbottom. Queen’s rebounded in the second half of the double-header, though, storming back from an early 4-0 deficit to win 10-5. A triple from Samantha Barker, ArtSci ’29, highlighted a rally that put the Gaels ahead for good. Hickingbottom returned in relief, tossing 5.3 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts to seal the win.
Poland’s strong performance over the weekend earned her a nod as one of Queen’s Student-Athletes of the Week. Additionally, she was named as a nominee for Ontario University Softball (OUS)’s Player of the Week.
With a 3-1 start, the Gaels will look to carry their early momentum into next weekend. The Gaels are currently ranked second in OUS’s East division.
Last year, the team finished fourth in Ontario after making the OUS Championship in Napanee, ON. Two years before that, the program brought home gold, but they missed the Championship series in 2023. This year, a strong start is an indicator that the team could be back in championship contention.
Queen’s will face off against TMU once again on Sept. 13, hosting the games in Napanee, ON. The double-headers are scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Sept. 14, the Gaels will host the Waterloo Warriors for a two-game series, scheduled to start at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Tags
Abi Poland, Fastpitch, Maddie Hickingbottom, tmu bold, York Lions
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