2007 Mustang Schedule
Sept 5         Purple vs White        6pm      Westmin Field   
Sept 7-9      MUSTANG Fall Challenge    Byron-Boler Rd
Sept 15       Western at Carleton     DH, 2pm Ottawa
Sept 16       Western at Ottawa        DH, noon Ottawa
Sept 19       Windsor at Western      DH, 5pm Stronach Park
Sept 22       Brock at Western        DH, 2pm Stronach Park
Sept 23       Mac at Western           DH, noon Stronach Park
Sept 29       *Queen's at Western   DH, 2pm Stronach Park
Sept 30       *York at Western        DH, noon Stronach Park
Oct 5           Western at Laurier        DH, 5pm Cambridge
Oct 6           Western at Waterloo    DH, 11am Cambridge
Oct 13         Western at Toronto        DH, noon Clarkson
Oct 14         Western at Guelph        DH, noon Cambridge
Oct 19-21    Ontario Championships    Stronach Park   
                      *Homecoming

Mustangs Named To Select Team To Play Team Canada
Emily Cornelius, Kristina Lemon, Sarah Manson, and Kelly McCarthy have been named to the Ontario University Fastball Select Team to play a doubleheader vs Team Canada at the Brampton, Ontario Fairgrounds Softball Complex on June 13 beginning at 7pm. Mustang Head Coach and Kinesiology professor, Dr. Pete Lemon will be one of the four coaches of the team. The games will be the final tune-up for Team Canada prior to their departure for the 8th World Championship Softball Juniors beginning June 20 in Enschede, The Netherlands. Others competing there include: Argentina, Australia, Botswana, China, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Africa, USA, and Venezuela.

Cornelius (catcher/DP), has just finished her second year in Media, Information & Technology studies; Lemon, (pitcher), her first year of Medical School; Manson (first base/DP), her third year of Political Science; and McCarthy (outfield), will be graduating in Nursing next month. Cornelius and Lemon are both from London, while Manson is from Toronto, and McCarthy from St Mary’s.

The Mustangs will join 13 other select players from the 12 Ontario Intercollegiate Women’s Fastpitch Association schools. This historic game will be the first time Ontario University players compete against Team Canada whose players play primarily for NCAA schools. Fastball is a relatively new sport at Ontario Universities having begun in 2002. The selection is a most appropriate conclusion to the 2006-07 season in which the Mustangs won the Ontario Championship.   

For more information visit www.oiwfa.org

Mustang Fall Fastball Challenge, September 7-9, 2007
The defending Ontario University Champion Western Mustangs will host their 5th Annual Fall Challenge Tournament, September 7-9, 2007 in London. Format will be round robin followed by single elimination playoffs. Guarentee of 4 games.   Tournament winner will receive $300 prize. Registration cost is $300. To register send Team name, contact person, and cheque made out to UWO Women's Softball to:
P Lemon
2212 3M Centre,
University of Western Ontario,
London , ON N6a 3K7.
For more information contact plemon@uwo.ca.

Fifth Annual Mustang Awards Reception Held March 18, 2007
Current Mustang players/parents, coaches, and former players got together March 18 at Windermere Manor on campus to announce the 2006 individual player awards and to reminisce about the dramatic Provincial Championship win last October. Although Jamie Reaburn (2003 MVP) did not arrive due to car trouble, the three other previous Mustang MVPs, Christine Wyatt (2002 MVP), Jenn Lukas (2004 MVP), and Sarah Manson (2005 MVP) were on hand. It was an enjoyable gathering highlighted by a video of graduating senior Kelly McCarthy's outstanding play. Individual player awards for 2006 are:

Jenna Van Aarsen, Best Year 1 Player
Stef Valiquette, Mustang Award
Sarah Manson, Most Improved Player
Kelly McCarthy, Most Valuable Player

Although only a part of the Mustang program for two seasons, Kelly will graduate this May with her Nursing degree, many career, and virtually all single season Mustang offensive records including: season batting average (0.533), season slugging% (0.933), season RBI (26), season runs (40), season triples (9), season HR (5) and season stolen bases (21). We all wish her well with her new team at London's Victoria Hospital.   

Stangs Capture 2006 Ontario Universities Championship in Extra Inning Thriller
The Mustangs won the Gold defeating the defending Champions, University of Toronto, Sunday, October 22 on their own turf 7-6. The game ended in dramatic fashion when Western's cleanup hitter and game MVP, Sarah Manson, drilled a walkoff, 2 run home run in extra innings. Earlier Western had fallen behind by a 0-5 score. However, the Stangs were not finished, getting on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 5th with a 2 out, 2 RBI single by Emily Cornelius. With 4 hits in the inning and with the bases loaded UWO was poised to get back into the game. But no more runs scored and the momentum appeared to shift back to the Blues. Yet the Mustangs, who won the 2006 regular season championship with a record of 20-2, played tough defence and continued to battle scoring 2 more in the 6th inning when Stef Valiquette and Kelly McCarthy each crossed the plate on RBI from Manson and Steph Balog. Next, in the bottom of the 7th, Rhea Jankowski led off with a double and tied the game on Jenna VanAarsen's single meaning extra innings would be needed to decide the 2006 Ontario Championship. But on this day nothing would be simple for the Stangs. There had been delays throughout the day due to weather and with darkness now approaching the umpires decided the game must be moved to a lighted field which necessitated a 40 minute delay to clear some water from the infield. The game resumed with a runner at second base (tie breaker rules) and when Toronto pushed across an unearned run in the 8th inning to take the lead 5-6, the situation again looked desperate until Manson's dramatic HR sent the Stangs bench into bedlam. Kristina Lemon went the distance on the mound for Western picking up her 12 win of the season against no losses.

UWO advanced to the Championship game with a semifinal win over Windsor after round robin wins over Waterloo and Laurier. Mustang CF and lead-off hitter, McCarthy, was the tournament MVP.

The Championship is the first for the UWO Women's fastball program, now in its 5th season. In both 2004 and 2005 Western won Bronze. In addition to the Championship, the win means Western will host the 2007 Championship next October.

Stangs Sweep Toronto and Finish First
Western (20-2) came out strong Sunday against the defending Ontario Champions from Toronto (13-8) winning game 1 (7-0) in the bottom of the 5th inning via the mercy rule.   2B Steph Valiquette ended the game when she drove in Keri Lindsay with the 3rd run of the inning and Western's 7th of the game. Sarah Manson led UWO with 2 doubles, 2 RBI, and a run scored.   Kelly McCarthy added a triple, a single, and a run scored. Manson got her 9th win of the season giving up just 2 hits. In game 2, the Stangs scored 4 runs in each of the first 2 innings and cruised to another 5 inning win (9-1) via the mercy rule. Kelly McCarthy was 3 for 3 and scored 3 times, Sarah Manson was 2 for 3, with 2 RBI, and scored twice, Kristina Lemon had 4 RBI, and Freshman Krista Davie also scored twice. Freshman Jess Doerr started and got the win for Western.   

Next action for the Mustangs is Oct 21-22 in Mississauga where the top eight teams in Ontario will battle for the Championship. Western enters the final tournament as the number 1 seed. As such, they will play the 8th, 5th, and 4th seeds in the round robin portion on Saturday. In the other pool will be seeds 2,3,6, & 7. The top two teams from each of the two pools will continue onto the semifinals Sunday. The semifinal winners then battle for the Championship while the semifinal losers will compete for the Bronze.

Mustang Pitchers Record No Hitter and 1 Hitter vs Guelph
The Mustang women (18-2) took two from Guelph (8-11) this afternoon (Oct 14) by scores of 9-0 and 1-0. Leading the Stangs offensively in game 1 were Kelly McCarthy (single and a HR), Sarah Manson (single and a triple), and Jess Doerr (single and a RBI sac fly).   Manson was outstanding on the mound recording a 1 hitter (6 strikeouts) for her 8th win.   Game 2 was another defensive/pitching gem. Kristina Lemon pitched a no hitter (striking out 8) for her 10th win. The only run of the game came in the 4th inning when Rhea Jankowski reached 1B safely, went to 3B on Keri Lindsay's sacrifice bunt, and scored on a triple to right centre by Vicki Sloat.

Next action for the Stangs is Oct 15 (noon & 2pm at Stronach Park) vs University of Toronto, the defending Ontario University Champions. These are the last two games of the regular season and, if Toronto beat Windsor today, will be a battle for 1st place and the number 1 seed going into next week's Championship Tournament.

Mustangs Maintain Hold On First Place - Set Single Season Wins Record
The Mustang Women's Fastball team took all four games over Thanksgiving weekend establishing a school single season record (16 wins) with one weekend remaining in the 2006 regular season. On Friday night, UWO (14-2) defeated Brock (6-6) twice (8-0 and 7-0). Both games were ended by the mercy rule. In game 1, Kelly McCarthy led the Stangs' offense going 4-4 (3 singles and a triple) and scoring twice. Freshmen Krista Davie and Jess Doerr each added two hits in 3 plate appearances and recorded two RBI apiece.   Davie also scored twice. Pitcher Sarah Manson gave up only 2 hits and struck out 6 for her 6th win of the season. In the night cap, Keri Lindsay and Kristina Lemon each recorded a triple and a single in 3 at bats. Emily Cornelius delivered a 3 RBI double and also a single. Steph Balog and Steph Valiquette also hit doubles for Western. Lemon struck out 5 and allowed 2 hits for her 8th win.
   
Western (16-2) also won two on Saturday at McMaster (8-5) but neither was easy. In a classic pitcher's duel between Western's Sarah Manson and Mac's Shannon Galea, game 1 was scoreless into the 5th inning when Keri Lindsay scored to give the Stangs a 1-0 lead. McMaster tied the game in the bottom of the 6th with an unearned run and there was no scoring in the 7th so the game went to the tie breaker. In the 8th, Western's Kelly McCarthy drillled a triple to left field scoring Steph Valiquette and then scored herself on a single by Emily Cornelius. The lead held up as Mac could not score in the bottom of the 8th. Manson (7-1) struck out 6 and gave up only 5 hits for the extra inning win.

Game 2 was also a defensive thriller with Western winning 1-0. This game was scoreless until the 4th inning when Stang Emily Cornelius lead off with a single. Pinch runner, Kate Kaikkonen took second base on a passed ball, stole third, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Rhea Jankowski. That run was suffiient as Mac was held scoreless the rest of the way. Kristina Lemon (9-0) struck out 12 for Western.

UWO completes its regular season this weekend at home (Stronach Park) with doubleheaders Saturday, Oct 14 (vs Guelph) and Sunday, Oct 15 (vs Toronto). Both series should be exciting as Guelph is battling for a playoff spot and Toronto, currently second to the Stangs, are the defending Ontario Champs. Both doubleheaders begin at noon.

Mustangs Split at Queen's
The Mustangs (12-2) came out flat in game 1 and Queen's (2-7) took advantage of a number of errors scoring 3 runs in the first two innings and adding a 4th run in inning 4. The Mustangs shut them down after that but could only muster 2 runs on 5 hits. Queen's pitcher Kelly Mannen went the distance for the win. Mustang Freshman, Nicole Shillington gave up just 4 hits over 4 innings of work but took the loss. In game 2, the Mustangs rebounded scoring 6 runs in inning 1 and cruised to an 8-0 mercy. Offensive leaders for UWO were Sarah Manson and Kristina Lemon with 2 singles and 2 runs scored apiece. Shillington added a double. Lemon allowed just 1 hit and struck out 7 for her 7th win. Next action for Western is Friday, Oct 6 at Brock (5 & 7pm) and Saturday, October 7 at McMaster (11am & 1pm).      

Mustangs Continue Winning Ways at York
The Mustang women (11-1) started game 1 of a doubleheader with York (4-6) Saturday with back to back over the fence home runs from Kelly McCarthy and Steph Balog. From there, they cruised scoring 7 more runs in inning 2 and winning 15-2 in a 5 inning game shortened by the mercy rule. In addition to the HR, McCarthy added a double and a single in 4 plate appearances. Balog also had a double, as did Rhea Jankowski. Sarah Manson contributed an over the fence home run and a single and Freshman Meg Maddigan two singles. Manson (5-1) got the win. Freshman Jess Doerr pitched two innings of relief allowing only 1 hit.

Game 2 was ended by a McCarthy home run much like she started game 1 - this one a 3 run walkoff 8-0 mercy in the bottom of the 5th inning. Also contributing to the offensive onslot were Emily Cornelius, Kristina Lemon, and Dayna Charbonneau with 2 singles apiece. Lemon (6-0) went the distance on the mound without allowing a hit and striking out 6. Next action for the Stangs is Sunday, Oct 1 vs Queen's beginning at noon.

Mustangs on the Road vs York and Queen's
The Mustangs travel to York (4-4) for a doubleheader Sat, Sept 30 beginning at 2pm at the Brampton Fairgrounds and on to the Napanee Fairgrounds Sun, Oct 1 for a pair with Queen's (0-5) beginning at noon. Currently, the Mustangs are first over all with a record of 9-1.

Mustangs Defeat Laurier in Two Close Ones
On Sunday, Sept 24 the Mustangs improved their league record to 9-1 (14-2 overall) taking two thrillers from Laurier (5-4) by scores of 4-2 and 7-6. In game 1, Kelly McCarthy went 3 for 3, hit a triple, and scored twice to lead the Stangs. Sarah Manson (4-1) scattered 6 hits and struck out 8 to record the complete game win. In game 2, the Stangs rallied in the top of the 7th inning scoring 5 to take the lead. Freshman Jess Doerr led off with a pinch hit single. Then, Steph Valiquette drove a double over Laurier left fielder, Kari Jansen, bringing the tying run to the plate. Kelly McCarthy walked to load the bases and Steph Balog drove a single to left field scoring Doerr. After a fielder's choice out at the plate, Sarah Manson delivered a 3 RBI double for the Stangs, then took third on a pass ball, and scored on a sac fly to CF by Kristina Lemon. However, the drama was not over just yet because, as the visitors in the 2nd game of the doubleheader, the Stangs still needed 3 outs to preserve the win. In the bottom of 7, with Laurier pinch runner, Jenna Kelly, on 2B, Katie Kropf dropped a two out single in front of UWO's right fielder, Rhea Jankowski whose strong throw to catcher Emily Cornelius sent Kelly scrambling back to 3B and set up a strike from Cornelius to Keri Lindsay to complete a 9-2-5 third out. Lemon (5-0) struck out 10 and picked up the win.

Mustangs Shutout Waterloo Twice
Western (7-1; 12-2 overall) shut out Waterloo (2-5) twice Saturday, Sept 23 (13-0 & 4-0). In game 1, the Stangs pounded out 13 hits, including 4 doubles, in a 41/2 inning game ended by the mercy rule. Kelly McCarthy was 3 for 3 at the plate and scored 4 times, Sarah Manson had a double and two singles, and Meg Maddigan, Nicole Shillington, and Kristina Lemon each had doubles for UWO. Pitcher, Sarah Manson (3-1) faced the minimum of 9 batters through 3 innings and got the win. Nicole Shillington pitched 2 innings of shutout ball in relief.   In game 2, Steph Balog had a double and a single as did Sarah Manson, and Emily Cornelius had 3 RBI to lead the offence. Kristina Lemon (4-0) went the distance on the mound, allowing only 3 hits. Prior to the opening game, Betty Doidge (nee Mandell) threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Betty who played softball at Western in the early 1940s represented her teammates Marg MacQueen, Marnie Van Horn, Mary Benton, Mary Scott, Ann Little, Penny Lang, Olive Pratt, Bessie Nickleson, Betty Truscott, and Vivian Grant - the true softball pioneers at UWO.

Next action for the Stangs is Sunday, Sept 24 at The Optimist Complex on Boler Road vs Laurier (DH starting at noon).

Mustangs to Honour 1940s Softball Player
Sept 23 at 2pm, Western will play a doubleheader vs The University of Waterloo Warriors at The Optimist Sports Complex on Boler Road. Prior to the first game, Betty Doidge (nee Mandell) will throw out the first pitch. Betty, who played softball at Western in the early 1940s, is representing her teammates Marg MacQueen, Marnie Van Horn, Mary Benton, Mary Scott, Ann Little, Penny Lang, Olive Pratt, Bessie Nickleson, Betty Truscott, and Vivian Grant - the true softball pioneers at UWO.

Mustangs Sweep Two over Windsor
The Mustangs (5-1; 10-2 overall) traveled to Windsor Wednesday, Sept 20 for a doubleheader vs the Lancers. With strong pitching, quality defence, and outstanding hitting Western won 10-2 and 9-2.

Both games were complete game 3 hitters with Sarah Manson picking up her second win and Kristina Lemon notching her third during early 2006 Ontario Women's fastball league action.   Offensive standouts for the Stangs included: Kelly McCarthy with 2 triples, a home run, and 5 RBI, Kristina Lemon, a double, a single, and 4 RBI, Keri Lindsay, two doubles, a single, and 2 RBI, Sarah Manson, a double, a single, and 3 walks (2 of them intentional), Emily Cornelius with a triple, a single, and 2 walks, Steph Balog with 3 singles, Rhea Jankowski, a double, a single, and a walk, Jess Doerr, 2 RBI, and Steph Valiquette, 2 singles.

Next action for the Stangs is at home (Optimist Park on Boler Road) vs Waterloo (Sept 23; DH beginning at 2pm) and vs Laurier (Sept 24; DH beginning at noon).

Mustangs Split with Ottawa on Second Day of The Opening Weekend
After opening the season Saturday with convincing wins in both games (9-3; 11-4) vs Carleton University, Western (3-1; 8-2 overall) split its Sunday, Sept 17 double header with The University of Ottawa, losing 2-3 in the first game but rebounding to take the second game 4-1. Sarah Manson went the distance on the mound in game 1, scattering 7 hits in a thriller but was the hard luck loser as the Gee-Gees took advantage of a bad bounce and a seeing eye hit in the last inning to win. Manson and RF, Rhea Jankowski both hit triples and each scored for the Stangs. In game 2, Kristina Lemon struck out 7 and gave up just 4 hits for the complete game win. CF, Kelly McCarthy hit a double, stole a base, had 2 RBI, and scored twice to lead the Stangs offensively. The Stangs travel to Windsor Wednesday, September 20 for a doubleheader at Jackson Park beginning at 5pm. The next home action for UWO (Optimist Sports Complex on Boler Road) is Saturday, Sept 23 vs Waterloo (DH: 2 & 4pm) and Sept 24 vs Laurier (DH: noon & 2pm).

Mustangs Begin 2006 League Play With Two Wins
The Mustangs (2-0; 7-1 overall) opened their league season today at The Byron Sports Complex with a 9-3 win in game 1 and an 11-4 win in game 2 vs Carleton University. Sarah Manson got the win in the first game and Kristina Lemon in game two. Big hitters for the Mustangs were OF/C, Emily Cornelius (4RBI, 3runs, 1SB), CF, Kelly McCarthy (3RBI, 5runs, 3SB, 1Triple), OF, Rhea Jankowski 2RBI, 2runs, 1Triple), and Sarah Manson (1RBI, 3runs, 1Triple). The Mustangs play another doubleheader tomorrow vs Ottawa beginning at 11am also at the Byron Complex. This will be a rematch of last year's semifinal matchup.

Mustangs Begin 2006 League Play This Weekend
Western begins 2006 league play at home this weekend vs Carleton (Saturday, Sept 16) with a doubleheader beginning at 3pm at the Byron Optimist Complex on Boler Road. Last year, Carleton had a 2-15 won-loss record under the direction of Norm Adams in his first year as their head coach. With off-season preparation completed they plan to be much tougher in 2006. On Sunday (Sept 17), the defending Ontario Silver Medalists Ottawa Gee-Gees provide the opposition (doubleheader starting at 11am) also at The Optimist Complex. In the short history of Women's University Fastball in Ontario, a strong rivalry has developed with the Gee-Gees and these games promise to be a severe early season test for the Mustangs.

2006 Outlook
With training camp completed, the outlook for 2006 is very bright for the Stangs. Joining a strong group of returning veterans including: 2005 League All-stars, Sarah Manson (P/1B/DP) and Rhea Jankowski (1B/3B/OF), 2005 Most Outstanding Freshman, Emily Cornelius (OF), 2005 Most Improved Player, Kelly McCarthy (OF), 2 time Captain, Keri Lindsay, pitcher, Kristina Lemon, Steph Valiquette, Dayna Charbonneau, and Tia Hughes are an impressive group of newcomers led by Steph Balog (SS/OF) from Queens. The Mustang coaching staff has high expectations this year. All indications are that the Mustang’s trademark of strong pitching, smothering defense, potent offense, and never-say-die attitude will be present again in 2006!!   

Pre-Season Games
Last weekend in pre-season action, Western finished with a 5-1 record outscoring the opposition 67-12. The lone blemish was a 5-6 loss to London Lightning in a thrilling Championship game Sunday afternoon. Down 1-6 with three innings to play, the Stangs rallied, scoring 2 runs in both the fifth and sixth innings but, after getting the leadoff batter on base in the seventh, were unable to push the tying run across. With the lessons learned in these pre-season games the Stangs are ready for the real games to begin. The weather promises to be first class so why not come on out and cheer on the Stangs!

2006 LEAGUE SCHEDULE
Sept 16    Carleton at Western (DH; 3 & 5pm)
Sept 17    Ottawa at Western (DH; 11 & 1pm)
Sept 20    Western at Windsor (DH; 5 & 7pm)
Sept 23    Waterloo at Western (DH; 2 & 4pm)
Sept 24    Laurier at Western (DH; 12 & 2pm)
Sept 30    Western at York (DH; 2 & 4pm)
Oct 1       Western at Queen's (DH; 12 & 2pm)
Oct 6       Western at Brock (DH; 5 & 7pm)
Oct 7       Western at McMaster (DH; 12 & 2pm)
Oct 14      Guelph at Western (DH; 12 & 2pm)
Oct 15      Toronto at Western (DH; 12 & 2pm)
Oct 20-22   Ontario Championships at Toronto
Home Games at Byron Optimist Complex on Boler Rd, except for the Oct 14/15 weekend which will be at Stronach Park on Sanford Ave (near Highbury and Cheapside)

WANT TO PLAY FOR THE MUSTANGS!
Interested RECRUITS planning to attend UWO please visit our NEWS section for information on how to contact the coaching staff.

HOME GAME & CAMPUS ADVERTISING/SPONSORSHIP
We have several packages available (and reasonably priced) for those interested in supporting our program. Please click on the NEWS folder for more information.

ADOPT A 'STANG SOFTBALL PLAYER
Costs for University athletics continue to rise and, as a result all UWO Softball players pay a participation fee.    In order to be certain that all qualified players, regardless of financial standing, can play we have initiated this program. For only $100 you can help a young athlete realize her dream of playing university softball.   Contributors will be recognized in our game program and newsletters. Charitable receipts are available.   Contact Head Coach Pete Lemon at 519-661-2111, 88139 or plemon@uwo.ca for more information.

INDOOR SOFTBALL SKILL CLINICS at your site are available.   Contact plemon@uwo.ca for details.

2005 SEASON NEWS
MUSTANGS REPEAT AS OIWFA BRONZE MEDALISTS!!!
The UWO Mustang Fastball team captured the 2005 bronze medal at the OIWFA Championships held in Cambridge October 22-23.

OIWFA CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED!!!
The league announced today the official seedings and schedule for the OIWFA Championship tournament being held this weekend, October 22-23, at Kinsmen Park in Cambridge. The UWO Mustangs secured the top seed for the Championships, by virtue of their league-best 15-2 record (and also lead the league in fewest runs against, allowing only 33 over 17 games!). The complete seedings for the Championships are as follows:

1) UWO MUSTANGS
2) Ottawa
3) Toronto
4) Brock
5) Windsor
6) Guelph
7) McMaster
8) Waterloo

Given the round-robin format of the championships, the Mustangs are placed in pool A with the 4 (Brock), 5 (Windsor), and 8 (Waterloo) seeds. The Mustangs game times are as follows (all games at Kinsmen Park - Diamond 2):

Saturday October 15
9am - UWO vs. Waterloo
1pm - UWO vs. Windsor
7pm - UWO vs. Brock

Sunday October 16 (must qualify)

Semi-finals
10am - 1st place A vs. 2nd place B
          1st place B vs. 2nd place A
Finals
12pm - Bronze Medal game (semi-final losers)
          Gold Medal game (semi-final winners)

For directions to the park, please click on our LOCATIONS folder to the left. For more information regarding the league championships, please visit the OIWFA website (see LINKS folder).

The Mustangs wish to thank all of their fans who have followed the team on their "Drive of '05"!!! We hope to see all of you this weekend in Cambridge, cheering on your Mustangs as they go for the gold!!!

MUSTANGS CLAIM WEST DIVISION CROWN AND #1 SEED FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!

The UWO Mustang Fastball team has held high standards for themselves all season, and this past weekend in Waterloo accomplished two of their major season goals. Not only did the Mustangs capture their FIRST WEST DIVISION TITLE, but they also earned the TOP SEED for the OIWFA CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT! The 'Stangs do not yet know who they will face in the round-robin tournament, only that their games times will be as follows (as per the OIWFA league website - see LINKS folder):
Game 1 - 9am vs. 8th seed
Game 2 - 1pm vs. 5th seed
Game 3 - 7pm vs. 4th seed
(Games times to be confirmed later this week by the league. Please check the league website.)

The four games played in Waterloo demonstrated the Mustangs EXCEPTIONAL depth at all positions, as there were many players who contributed to the victories. On the mound, each of the four pitchers on the Mustang roster turned in fabulous performances, limiting the opposition to 6 runs over the course of the weekend. At the plate and on the bases, the 'Stangs once again showed they have both the power and the speed to cause headaches for the opposing teams. For the weekend, UWO outscored their opponents by a combined score of 23-6, bringing their season totals to 103 runs scored and only 33 allowed for a differential of +70! This is a true testament to the the OUTSTANDING team play turned in week in and week out by the Mustangs!

A big thank you once again goes out to all the family, friends and alumni who were out to support us this past weekend. We hope that you'll make the return trip next weekend to Kinsmen Park to watch the Mustangs as they make their drive for the 2005 OIWFA Championship!

***Individual game recaps are now posted! Please click on the SCHEDULES link to the left.***

MUSTANGS SECURE PLAYOFF BERTH AT HOME!!! JENN LUKAS PITCHES A NO-HITTER!!!
On Western’s Homecoming Weekend, the UWO Fastball team played some outstanding softball in front of their hometown fans at the Byron Optimist Sports Complex. Finishing the weekend with a 4-1 record, the ‘Stangs qualified for the playoffs by virtue of their LEAGUE BEST 8-1 out-of-division record. The ‘Stangs may still win the Far West division, but that will have to wait until the team closes out their regular season schedule in Waterloo the weekend of October 15-16 (2 games each vs. Waterloo and Windsor).

The ‘Stangs used a familiar combination of strong pitching and equally strong hitting to outscore their opponents by a total of 29-8 over the weekend. UWO opened by defeating Waterloo 7-0, followed by a win over Queens 5-0. After a brief intermission, the ‘Stangs dropped their second game of the season, 4-2 against arch-rival Windsor.

After moving Sunday’s game versus Carleton to 9am (to help Carleton finish their day two hours early), the ‘Stangs knew they’d have to be on their game so as not to let the Ravens catch them napping. P Jenn Lukas was certainly ready to go as she pitched one of the finest games in UWO history! Lukas dominated the Ravens throwing a complete game NO HITTER!!! Such a feat is not possible without a total team effort, which the Mustangs certainly put-up behind their 2004 team MVP!

To close out the weekend, the Mustangs faced the Far East division-leading, and overall league-leading, Ottawa Gee Gees. OF Hayley Fleming stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded in the top of the 4th, and promptly cleared them with a towering double to left field. The ‘Stangs offence tacked on two more for insurance in the 7th, courtesy of 1B Rhea Jankowki’s monster triple to right field. P Shannon Cartier went the distance for the ‘Stangs, totaling 6 K’s for the win.

The Mustangs travel to Waterloo in two weeks to close out the regular season with four in-division games that will determine each team’s seeding for the following weekends OIWFA Championships.

UWO Fastball would once again like to thank all those who were involved in making this past weekend a wonderful display both on and off the diamonds!

***Individual game recaps are now posted! Please click on the SCHEDULES link to the left.***

WEB ARTICLES ARCHIVED
Looking for an article that was formerly posted on this site? Check out our NEWS folder which contains all of our old articles from 2005 and 2004!

BRIEF HISTORY
2002 was the inaugural season of the Ontario Intercollegiate Women's Fastpitch Association (OIWFA). Western joined Toronto, York, Ottawa, Laurier, Guelph, McMaster, and Brock to form this exciting new venture.   Western finished 2nd in league play and expectations were high for the Championship Tournament held at York University October 19 and 20. Unfortunately, the Mustangs endured a disappointing 3-4 rain-shortened loss to Brock who won the Championship.

In 2003, The University of Waterloo and Kingston joined the OIWFA bringing the number of teams to 10 setting up East (Kingston, McMaster, Ottawa, Toronto, and York) and West (Brock, Guelph, Laurier, Waterloo, and Western) Divisions for 2003. In addition, Windsor played an exhibition schedule against OIWFA schools in 2003.   

In 2004, Windsor and Carleton joined the OIWFA and the league was divided into four divisions of three teams. It is indeed an exciting time for women's fastball in Ontario!