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Admin
 
Universtiy of Western Ontario Mustangs
P Lemon
519-661-2111, 88139
Fax: 519-661-2008
University of Western Ontario
2212 3M Centre
London, Canada
N6A 3K7
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 Welcome |
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| '08 Ontario Champions
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Monday, November 17
League Champions 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008; Provincial Bronze 2004, 2005, Provincial Silver 2007, Provincial Gold 2006, 2008
Welcome UWO Fastball Enthusiasts!
Winter Softball Clinics: We're planning to offer skills clinics this winter (at London's brand new 7,000+ square foot turfed, indoor ball facility, Centrefield Sports (1165 King Street) starting in December (free parking is available). Players will be grouped based on age and experience. Clinics will focus on:
1) defense, hitting, and sliding or
2) pitching, catching, and hitting
Instructors are the Ontario Champion Mustang coaches and players.
Dates: Sundays Dec 7, 14, 21, 28 4-5pm or 5-6pm.
Cost = $65/clinic.
Contact plemon@uwo.ca for details or to reserve a spot.
'Stangs Win Ontario Championship: Western defeated the Ottawa Gee Gees in the Championship game 5-1 at Kitchener’s Budd Park on Sunday. For the Mustangs in the Championship game, Nicole Shillington (Kingston, ON) had two singles and a double, Kristina Lemon (London, ON) a double, 2 singles and 2 RBI, and Dani Abdilla 2 singles and 3 RBI. Lemon got the complete game win, her 14th of the ’08 season against no losses.
Western got to the Championship going undefeated in the round robin pool 3-0 (defeating McMaster, Toronto, and Guelph) and then out scoring Laurier 4-1 in one semi-final. Offensively in the semi-final victory over Laurier, Krista Davie (Harriston, ON) had 2 singles and 2 RBI, while Abdilla and Shillington each hit 2 singles, and Meg Hewins (Burlington, ON) hit a triple for UWO. Laurier beat McMaster 6-2 to pick up the Bronze medal.
Abdilla won both the tournament top hitter (0.625 BA & 6 RBI) and MVP while Lemon won 4 games and the Championship Game MVP. At the ’08 Season Awards Banquet Saturday night Mustang left fielder, Em Cornelius and Lemon were selected as Ontario All-Stars.
The win makes Western the first school in the 7 year history of Ontario University Fastpitch softball to win the Championship more than once. The Mustangs also won in ‘06. UWO now has 5 consecutive Ontario Medals (2 Bronze, 1 Silver, and 2 Gold) and 4 consecutive league championships. Their 2008 record was 26-2. The win means Western will host the ’09 Ontario Tournament.
'Stangs Through to Championship Semifinal: Western defeated Toronto 10-9 and Guelph 4-3 to advance to one semifinal on Sunday. Kristina Lemon (London, ON) and Cassy Harrison (St. Williams, ON) got the wins. Offensively, against Toronto Lindsey Martin (London, ON) recorded two triples, Ju Proniuk (Brampton, ON) a triple and two singles, Nicole Shillington (Kingston, ON) 2 singles, and Dani Abdilla (Brampton, ON) a triple. Against Guelph Em Cornelius (London, ON) hit a triple.
The Mustangs will play the winner of a quarterfinal match at 11am Sunday. Should they win they'll advance to the Championship game at 1:30pm. All games are at Kitchener's Budd Park.
Mustangs Off to a Great Start: Western entered the Ontario Championship tournament as the #1 seed and defeated #4 seed McMaster 14-0 in game 1 of the tournament Friday night. The ‘Stangs opened with 7 hits in the first inning scoring 9 runs. Leading UWO offensively were Meg Hewins (Burlington, ON) with a double and 3 singles (4 RBI), Dani Abdilla (Brampton, ON) 3 singles, Kristina Lemon (London, ON) a triple and a single (3 RBI), Lindsey Martin (London, ON) a double and a single, and Em Cornelius (London, ON) 2 singles. The game ended after 4½ innings because of the run rule (home team leading by 7 or more runs). Lemon pitched a one hitter.
Next action for Western is Saturday against #5 seed Toronto at 10am and #8 seed Guelph at 2pm. All games are at Budd Park in Kitchener.
Ontario Championship Tournament at Kitchener's Budd Park Oct 17-19: The top 8 Ontario University teams will battle in a round robin, 2 pool format followed by single elimination quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final. Pool A has 1,4,5 and 8 place regular season finishers (Western, McMaster, Toronto, and Guelph) while Pool B has 2,3,6, and 7 (Laurier, Ottawa, Windsor, and Queen’s). The Mustangs split their doubleheader with Laurier and swept the doubleheaders against all other teams in the tournament but most teams appear to be peaking at the right time so all games are expected to be very competitive. Should UWO bring home a medal it would be their 5th straight.
The Mustangs play at 5pm Friday vs McMaster, 10am Saturday vs Toronto, and 2pm Saturday vs Guelph. On Sunday, the quarterfinals go at 9am, the semi-finals at 11am, the Bronze medal game at 1pm, and the Championship Final at 1:30pm. All games are at Budd Park.
'Stangs Sweep Weekend and Win League Championship for Fourth Consecutive Season: Western (18-2) defeated Guelph (8-7-1) 6-1 and 6-0 and Toronto (12-8-1) 7-0 and 13-4 on Thanksgiving weekend to claim their fourth consecutive League Championship. Leading the ‘Stang offense vs Guelph was Kristina Lemon (London, ON) with a triple, a double, two singles and 7 RBI, Lindsey Martin (London, ON) with two doubles, and Em Cornelius (London, ON) with 3 singles. Cassy Harrison (St. Williams, ON, 3-0) with a 1 hitter and Lemon (8-0) with 10 strikeouts got the wins for Western.
Game 2 on Sunday was highlighted by an exciting 3 (2 unearned) run comeback in the bottom of the 7th by Toronto. But after knotting the game 4-4 and with the winning run on third base and none out, the Blues could not score as Western induced a foul pop up from Toronto's #2 hitter, Winnie Law to first baseman, Meg Hewins (Burlington, ON), then following an intentional walk to Toronto’s #3 hitter Karlene Headley-Cooper, the ‘Stangs ended the threat with a strikeout by the Blues cleanup hitter, Melanie Monson and a popup by #5 hitter, Lauren Schute to UWO shortstop Martin. Although there was no scoring in the 8th, the momentum changed and Western exploded in the top of the 9th with 9 runs and then retired the Blues 1,2,3 to claim the dramatic win. Following a sacrifice bunt by Dani Abdilla (Brampton, ON) in the 9th, Western posted 4 consecutive hits, followed by a walk, a single, a hit on error, and a triple for the 9 runs. Nicole Shillington (Kingston, ON) blasted the triple, Cornelius, Hewins, and Lemon recorded doubles, while Krista Davie (Harriston, ON) and Martin got the singles. Lemon (9-0) posted 12 strikeouts in the complete game victory. Game 1 was forfeited by Toronto.
Next action for Western (#1 seed) is in the Ontario Championships on Friday, October 17 at 5pm at Kitchener’s Budd Park vs McMaster (number 4 seed). Then, the ‘Stangs will play Toronto (#5 seed) on Saturday, October 18 at 10am and Guelph (number 8 seed) at 2pm. The quarterfinals, semi-finals, and finals go Sunday, October 19 at 9am, 11am, and 1:30pm, respectively. All games are at Budd Park.
Bats Hot - 'Stangs Improve to 14-2: On Sunday, October 5 in Hamilton, the Mustangs (14-2) cranked up the offense, winning both ends of a twinbill vs McMaster (9-5-1), recording 12 hits in each game (7 triples in game 1 and a triple and a double in game 2). Both were 8-3 victories for Western. Big hitters for UWO were Cassandra Warne (Markham, ON) 2 triples, a double, a single, and 3 RBI, Kristina Lemon (London, ON) with 3 singles, a triple, and 5 RBI, Meg Hewins (Burlington, ON) with 3 singles and a triple, Julianne Proniuk (Brampton, ON) with 2 triples, Dani Abdilla (Brampton, ON) with 3 singles, and both Cassy Harrison (St. Williams, ON) and Jess Doerr (Walkerton, ON) with triples. Winning pitchers were Doerr (5-2) and Lemon (7-0).
On Saturday, October 4 in St. Catharines, Western’s hits seemed to find Badger gloves in game 1 allowing Brock to build a 4-1 lead through 5 innings. Scoring 2 in the 6th on a Hewins triple and 1 in the top of the 7th, the ‘Stangs tied the game when a two out, Abdilla single scored Warne, who led off the inning with a double. But lady luck abandoned Western in the bottom of the 7th. With two out, a ground ball to shortstop caromed off Mustang Warne’s foot out of play. Brock’s Lindsay Woods who was running from second to third on the play was awarded home and a 4-5 Badger win. The ‘Stangs rebounded nicely in game 2 with a 5-3 victory. Top hitters for Western were Hewins with a home run, a triple, and 2 singles, Nicole Shillington (Kingston, Ont) with 4 singles, Lemon with a double and 2 singles, and Abdilla with 3 singles. Lemon recorded 12 K in the complete game win.
Next action for UWO will be the regular season final games vs Guelph (8-5-1) on Friday, October 10 at 5 and 7pm and vs Toronto (10-6) on Saturday, October 11 at noon and 2pm. All 4 games are at London’s Stronach Park. Then, the top eight teams will battle for the Ontario Championship, October 17-19 at Kitchener’s Budd Park. The wins keep Western (0.875) percentage points ahead of Laurier (0.864) for first place over all. Others in playoff position currently are Ottawa, McMaster, Toronto, Guelph, Windsor, and Queen’s.
'Stangs Sweep Doubleheaders from Both York and Queen's and Improve to 11-1: Despite on and off again rain this weekend, the Mustangs (11-1) made certain to keep on pace for their best season ever by taking road, twinbill wins from York (3-7) on Saturday and from Queen’s (7-5) on Sunday. All four games were decided by the run rule (game ends after 5 innings if one team leads by 7 or more runs). On Saturday, Jess Doerr (Walkerton, ON) pitched a 2 hit, 8-0 victory in Game 1 vs York, improving her ’08 season record to 4-1. Meg Hewins (Burlington, ON) and Julianne Proniuk (Brampton, ON) hit triples while Lindsey Martin (London, ON) and Doerr each hit doubles to lead the UWO offense. In Game 2, Freshman, Cassy Harrison (St. Williams, ON), coming off a an ankle injury suffered vs Ottawa on Sept 14, got her first win as a Mustang in the 8-1 victory. Siobhan O’Connell (Mississauga, ON) and Hewins recorded triples and Meg Maddigan (Brampton, ON) a double for the ‘Stangs. In Kingston on Sunday, Kristina Lemon (London, ON) pitched a 2 hitter for her fifth win against no losses in an 8-0 Game 1 victory. Top hitters for Western were Hewins, Proniuk, and Martin with triples. Dani Abdilla (Brampton, ON) added a 2 RBI double for Western. In Game 2 vs Queen’s, Harrison got her second victory in as many days in the 12-2 UWO win. Maddigan had 3 RBI while Nicole Shillington (Kingston, ON) and Lemon each drove in 2 for Western. Em Cornelius (London, ON) was 3 for 3 and Shillington 3 for 4 at the plate while Hewins and Proniuk picked up triples. Next action for the ‘Stangs is October 4 at Brock and Oct 5 at McMaster. The best ever record for the Mustangs is 24-3 recorded by the ’07 ‘Stangs.
Mustangs Take Two from Waterloo and Split with Laurier: The ‘Stangs (6-0) shutout Waterloo (0-6) twice on Saturday by scores of 6-0 and 7-0. Leading UWO offensively, were Kristina Lemon (London, ON) with a double and 3 singles, Em Cornelius (London, ON) with a double and 2 singles, Dani Abdilla (Brampton, ON) and Meg Hewins (Burlington, ON) with two singles each, and Juilanne Proniuk (Brampton, ON) with a triple. Jess Doerr (Walkerton, ON) picked up her third win of the season against no losses in Game 2 recording a one hitter (the only blemish a one out single in the first inning). Lemon (3-0) picked up a 2-hit win in Game 1. On Sunday, in Game 1 the ‘Stangs (7-0) came out hitting against previously undefeated Laurier (8-1) plating 3 runs in the first inning, adding 2 more in the third, and then holding Laurier off the board the rest of the way for a 5-0 victory. Lemon hit a triple and a single, Proniuk a triple, Cassandra Warne (Markham, ON) a double, and Shea Black (Toronto, ON) 2 singles for Western. Lemon (4-0) struck out 6 and allowed just Laurier 2 hits for the victory. Unfortunately, in Game 2 the Golden Hawks (9-1) turned the tables handing the ‘Stangs (7-1) their first defeat of the ’08 season by a margin of 0-6. The game was closer than the score might indicate as four of the six runs were unearned. Hawk pitcher, Cassandra Taylor-Baptiste allowed only two Mustang hits, although there were a number of hard hit balls that found Laurier gloves. Doerr (3-1) took the loss. Next action for the ‘Stangs is Saturday, Sept 27 at York (2 & 4pm) and Sunday, Sept 28 at Queen’s (noon & 2pm).
Mustangs Go to 4-0: Western (3-0) started quickly in Game 1 of the doubleheader Wednesday evening vs Windsor (2-1) scoring 2 runs on 3 hits in the top of the 1st inning but then got into some early trouble in the bottom of the inning when the Lancers loaded the bases on two errors and a bloop single. However, following another single that dropped just over the infield and a run scored, pitcher Jess Doerr (Walkerton, ON) induced 2 successive ground balls to freshman Lindsey Martin (London, ON) at shortstop producing force outs at the plate and a strikeout to end the threat. Offensively, Doerr (2-0) helped her own cause with 2 triples while freshman Meg Hewins (Burlington, ON) recorded 2 doubles, a single and 3 RBI in 4 plate appearances as the Mustangs cruised to a 7-1 victory. Left fielder, Em Cornelius produced a defensive gem when she made a diving catch of a ball hit in front and to her left and then from the ground tossed the ball to second base, narrowly missing a highlight reel double play. In Game 2, the ‘Stangs (4-0) built a 6-0 lead after 3 innings and went on to win 9-2 over Windsor (2-2). Freshman, Leslie Hanson (Oakville, ON) recorded a double, a single, and 2 RBI to lead the UWO offence. Others with a multiple hit game included freshmen, Shea Black (Toronto, ON) and Cassandra Warne (Markham, ON) with 2 singles each and Julianne Proniuk (Brampton, ON) with a double and a single. Hewins and Kristina Lemon (London, ON) each recorded triples. Lemon (2-0) allowed just 3 hits. This weekend the Mustangs have doubleheaders vs Waterloo, Saturday (2 & 4pm) and Sunday vs Laurier (noon & 2pm). Western and Laurier were finalists in ’07. All games are at Stronach Park.
'Stangs Open with Two Victories: After getting washed out on Saturday vs Carleton, the ‘Stangs were eager to begin their quest for another Championship. Surprisingly, the field conditions were good despite all the rain Saturday. Game one was a tight battle with Western (1-0) holding on for a 2-1 victory playing solid defense (1 error). The Mustangs scored once in the second inning when Em Cornelius (London, ON) drove in Meg Maddigan (Brampton, ON) with a 2 out single. The Gee Gees (0-1) tied it in the top of the fifth when they got 3 of the 4 hits they recorded in the game. Not to be out done on this day, the ‘Stangs responded in their half of the inning with a leadoff double by Cornelius who later scored on a one out single by freshman Meg Hewins (Brampton, ON). Nicole Shillington (Kingston, ON) recorded a triple and Kristina Lemon (London, ON) (1-0) struck out 9 for the complete game victory. In Game 2, the Mustangs (2-0) came our strong in inning one scoring 3 runs on 4 hits cruising to an 11-3 five inning game win vs Ottawa (0-2) shorted by the run rule (game ends if one team is leading by 7 or more after 5 innings). The ‘Stangs pounded out 14 hits led by freshman, Shea Black (Toronto, ON) with three singles, Julianne Proniuk (Brampton, ON) with two singles, a walk, and two RBI, Siobhan O’Connell (Mississauga, ON) with two singles and two RBI, freshman, Cassy Harrison (St Williams, ON) with two singles and two RBI, and freshman, Katie Fong (Toronto, ON) with one single and 3 RBI. Freshman, Cassandre Warne (Markam, ON) hit a triple and Jess Doerr (Walkerton, ON) (1-0) got the win on the mound.
On Wednesday, Sept 17 the Mustangs travel to Windsor’s Jackson Park for games at 5 & 7pm vs the Lancers (2-0). Next home action for Western is Saturday, September, 20 with doubleheaders (2 & 4pm) vs Waterloo (1-3) and Sunday, September 21 (noon & 2pm) in a rematch of last season's Championship vs Laurier (6-0). All games at Stronach Park on Cheapside (between Huron and Sandford).
Rain Cancels 'Stangs Opener - Will Try Again Tomorrow vs Ottawa: The '08 home opener vs Carleton had to be canceled today as the diamond became unplayable due to the torrential rain. Tomorrow, Ottawa is in town and Western will try again to open the season at 11am and 1pm at Stronach Park. On Wednesday, Sept 17, the Mustangs travel to Windsor for a pair of games (5 & 7pm) at Jackson Park.
Mustangs Open '08 Regular Season at Home, September 13 & 14: The '08 Mustangs open at home (Stronach Park) vs Carleton (Sat at 3 & 5pm) and Ottawa (Sun at 11am & 1pm). Coming off their third consecutive League Championship and fourth consecutive Provincial Medal, the 'Stangs have reloaded in '08 with 7 quality freshman. In addition, a strong nucleus returns lead by Captains Kristina Lemon, Meg Maddigan, Julianne Proniuk, and 4 year starter, Em Cornelius. The Full Schedule can be found by clicking on the News section.
'Stangs Take 6th Annual Pre-Season Challenge with Big Bats: The Mustangs rolled to a 1st place finish during Saturday's round robin action before the rain Sunday washed out this year's tourney playoffs. The Mustangs went 3-0 for the weekend defeating Chinguacousy 7-4 and both St. Clair and Genesee by identical 8-1 scores. Both the second and third games were shortened by the run rule (game ends anytime after 5 innings if either team leads by 7 runs [4 1/2 innings when the home team leads]). Leading Western offensively were Jess Doerr (Walkerton, ON) with 2 triples and 4 singles, Julianne Proniuk (Brampton, ON) with a triple and 4 singles, and Em Cornelius (London, ON) with 4 singles. UWO started quickly in all 3 games cashing 2, 3, and 5 runs in the first inning of their games, collecting 6 triples (27 total hits in only 14 innings played), while holding their opposition with stingy defence (1 error) and solid pitching. Winning pitchers were Kristina Lemon (London, ON), Doerr, and Cassy Harrison (St. Williams, ON). All three went the distance on the mound.
The Mustangs (24-3 in '07) return a quality nucleus of 10 from last year's Conference Championship team and have added likely their finest recruiting class ever. Several of these freshman are expected to contribute right away. The regular season opens this weekend with doubleheaders vs Carleton Saturday (3 & 5pm) and vs Ottawa on Sunday (11am & 1pm) at home (Stronach Park).
'08 Mustang Challenge Tourney (Sept 6-7): The 3 time defending league champion, Mustang Women's Fastpitch Softball team is preparing for their regular season opener (Saturday, Sept 13 vs Carleton and Sunday, September 14 vs Ottawa) with two-a-day tryouts. The Annual Purple vs White game (Wednesday, Sept 3, 6pm) at Westminster Diamond on campus will represent the last opportunity to impress the coaching staff as the Mustangs will play this weekend in the Annual Mustang Challege Pre-season Tourney.
Providing the opposition this year are the Genesee College Cougars of the Western New York Athletic Conference (23-7 '07 record), Chinguacousy (a regional all-star team from Brampton, Ontario), and the St. Clair Saints ('07 Ontario League College Champions). The tourney will consist of round robin action on Saturday (games start at 10am through 6pm every 2 hours). The Mustangs play at 10am, 4pm, and 6pm. Playoffs go Sunday at 10am and noon, with the Championship at 2pm. All games are at Stronach Park in east London and admission is free. Come on out and get your first look at the Mustangs as they begin their quest for another Championship.
2007 Mustang Season Award Winners Announced: Catcher, Julianne Proniuk (Brampton, ON) was selected the Best Yr 1 Player; Middle Infielder, Krista Davie (Harriston, ON) the Most Improved 'Stang; Outfielder, Rhea Jankowski (Thornhill, ON) won the 'Mustang' Award; and Pitcher, Kristina Lemon (London, ON) the Mustang MVP.
Mustangs Finsh Second in Ontario Championships after Extra Inning Thriller: The Mustangs (24-3) took the Silver Medal at the '07 Ontario Championships on Sunday afternoon following a 2-4 loss to Laurier in the final that required extra innings to determine a winner. Western advanced to the Championship by defeating Toronto 8-1 in one semifinal after going 3-0 in the round robin portion of the tournament. All four UWO wins were by the mercy run rule (>7 run lead after 5 innings). Laurier advanced to the final game with a 2-1 round robin record (losing 7-0 to Western) and then defeating McMaster 7-0 (Quarterfinal) and Ottawa 7-6 (Semifinal).
The Championship game was scoreless into the bottom of the 5th inning when Stang, Nicole Shillington (Kingston, ON) hit a solo, inside the park, home run. That 1-0 Mustang lead held up into the 7th when Laurier scored 2 unearned runs. Needing a run in the bottom of the 7th to extend the game, freshman, Julianne Proniuk (Brampton, ON) recorded a pitch hit walk, advanced to second, and with 2 outs, scored on a double by Krista Davie (Harriston, ON). Using the tie breaker format (a runner starts each inning at second base), neither team was able to score in the 8th, although Western had loaded the bases when a double play ended the threat. In the 9th, Laurier scored 2 unanswered runs to take the Gold.
Mustang pitcher, Kristina Lemon (London, ON), who allowed only 4 hits in the 9 inning contest and Laurier's pitcher, Katie Westoby, 7 hits, were Championship game MVPs. Earlier, Lemon recorded a perfect game and was selected as the top pitcher in the round robin portion of the tournament. The Silver medal is the 4th consecutive Provincial medal finish for the Mustangs.
Mustangs Sweep 2nd & 3rd Place Teams to Grab #1 Seed for the Ontario Championships: The Mustangs (20-2) defeated U of T (17-5) 4-2 and 3-0 and Guelph (16-6) 7-0 and 3-2 on the final weekend of the season to finish 1st over all, the third consecutive 1st place finish for Western. Both Keri Lindsay (Georgetown, ON) and Nicole Shillington (Kingston, ON) recorded home runs while Em Cornelius (London, ON) and Jenna Van Aarsen (London, ON) hit triples and Kristina Lemon (London, ON) a double for the Stangs. Sarah Manson (Toronto, ON) and Lemon each got 2 wins in the circle. This weekend (Oct 19-21) Western hosts U of T, McMaster, Guelph Laurier, Ottawa, Windsor, and York at London's Stronach Park for the Ontario Championship. Round robin games begin Friday at 5pm and continue Saturday at 10am, noon, 2, and 4pm. Single elimination playoffs begin at 10:30am Sunday with the Championship scheduled for 3pm.
Mustangs Retain First Place: The Mustangs (16-2) remain in first place following 3 wins and a loss over Thanksgiving weekend in Cambridge. Laurier (12-6) recorded 3 hits and 3 runs (2 unearned) in the first inning of game 1 on Friday evening but scored only one more the rest of the way while Western scored 9 runs on 10 hits for a 9-4 victory. Offensively, UWO was led by Kristina Lemon with a double, a triple, and two walks and Emily Cornelius with two singles and a walk. Lemon went the distance in the circle. In game 2, Laurier recorded 9 hits and an 11-4 win. Krista Davie hit a double and a triple, Lemon 3 singles, and Sarah Manson a double for the Stangs. Manson took the loss.
On Saturday, despite on and off rain, Western took both ends of a doubleheader vs Waterloo (3-15) by scores of 8-5 and 5-0. In game 1, the Stangs executed the short game well scoring 8 runs on just 6 hits. Nicole Shillington recorded a triple and Jess Doerr scattered 6 hits over 6 innings of work for her 3rd victory. Sarah Manson got the save. In game 2, Western exploded for 4 runs in the 2nd inning en route to the 5-0 win. Krista Davie hit 2 singles and Sarah Manson a double for the Stangs. Kristina Lemon allowed just 4 hits for the complete game shutout, her 7th victory of the season.
Next action for the Mustangs is Saturday, Oct 13 vs 3rd place Toronto (13-3) in Clarkson and Sunday, Oct 14 vs 2nd place Guelph (15-1) in Cambridge. The Ontario Championships will be played at London's Stronach Park, Oct 19-21. Guelph, Laurier, McMaster, Ottawa, Toronto, Windsor, and York have all qualified for the Championship.
Mustangs Take Both Ends of the Doubleheader vs York: The Mustangs improved to 13-1 with two victories over York (6-8) on Sunday by scores of 5-4 and 8-3. In Game 1, York rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the top of the seventh to tie the game but Mustang Sophomore Meg Maddigan delivered a walk off RBI in the bottom of the seventh for the UWO victory. Freshman Danielle Lunn entered the game as a pinch runner after Freshman Siobhan O’Connell walked with one out. Before scoring the winning run, Lunn stole second and moved to third on a passed ball. Kristina Lemon picked up her 5th win in the circle. In Game 2, Freshman Kelsey Priestap pitched a complete game gem, scattering 4 hits for her very first Western victory. Offensively, the Stangs were led by Emily Cornelius and Kristina Lemon both with 2 singles and a double, Krista Davie with 3 singles, and Sarah Manson with a home run. Guests of the Mustangs were the Ontario Bantam Champion Byron Blaze Fastball club and Mustang recruit Jill Russell, a multisport athlete from Aquinas Secondary School.
This week the Stangs travel to Waterloo for doubledips vs Laurier Friday, Oct 5 (5 & 7pm) and Oct 6 (9am & 11am) vs Waterloo. The Provincial Championships will be held at London’s Stronach Park Oct 19-21.
Mustangs Sweep Queen's and Move to 11-1: The first place Mustangs (11-1) took both ends of their doubleheader Saturday vs Queen’s (1-11) winning game 1, 2-0 and Game 2, 7-0. In Game 1, Mustang Sophomore hurler, Jess Doerr (2-0) allowed only 3 hits for the complete game win. In Game 2, Senior Sarah Manson (5-0) also went the distance in the circle giving up just 3 hits. Mustangs with at least two hits included: Rhea Jankowski, Kristina Lemon, Emily Cornelius, Freshman Julianne Proniuk, Keri Lindsay, and Lindsey McLaughlin. Joining the Mustangs for the Saturday games as their Honorary Captain for the day was Betty Doidge, who played softball at Western 65 years ago!
Mustang’s next action is tomorrow at Stronach Park when Western will battle York at noon and 2pm.
Mustangs Take 3 of 4 on the Second Weekend of Fastball Action: The Mustangs (9-1) rolled over Brock (1-7) on Saturday by scores of 5-0 and 23-0 but split with McMaster (8-2) on Sunday dropping Game 1, 0-3 before rebounding for an 11-6 victory in Game 2. The ’Stangs got 29 hits vs Brock led by Emily Cornelius with a triple and 3 singles, Krista Davie and Lindsey McLaughlin with 4 singles each, and freshman Danielle Lunn with 3 singles. Kristina Lemon (4-0) had 11 strikeouts in the circle in Game 1 vs Brock and in Game 2, Sarah Manson (3-0) gave up only 1 hit while freshman Kelsey Priestap pitched 2 innings without allowing a hit.
Sunday's Game 1 vs Mac was a classic pitchers' battle. Marauder, Shannon Galea scattered 5 UWO hits while striking out 6 and giving up just 2 walks in her shutout victory. Mustang, Lemon struck out 8, walked 2, and allowed 6 Mac hits. Unfortunately, for UWO 4 came in the 4thinning and together with a 2 out error produced all 3 Mac runs. Nicole Shillington hit a triple for the'Stangs while Cornelius, Rhea Jankowski, Lindsey McLaughlin, and Lemon recorded the other UWO hits. In Game 2 vs Mac, Western got the bats going producing 14 hits on route to their 3rd victory of the weekend. Leading the 'Stangs offensively in the win over Mac were Jankowski with 2 singles, a triple, and a home run; Manson with a single and a triple, and Lemon with a single and a double. Manson (4-0) got the complete game win. Next action for the Mustangs is Saturday, Sept 29 (doubleheader vs Queen's beginning at 2pm) and Sunday, Sept 30 (doubleheader vs York beginning at noon). All games are at London's Stronach Park.
Mustangs Sweep Twinbill vs Windsor in Fastball Home Opener: The Mustangs (6-0) swept both ends of their twinbill with West rival Windsor Lancers (2-4) last evening at Stronach Park. In game 1, the ‘Stangs scored 1 run in each of the first 3 innings and then exploded for 6 runs in the 4th; the big blow – a 2 out, 3 RBI triple by Senior Outfielder, Rhea Jankowski. Kristina Lemon (3-0) got the shutout victory after 41/2 innings via the run rule (>7 run lead after 41/2 or 5 innings). In game 2, Lemon delivered a 2 out, 3 RBI double in the 1st inning and Senior Pitcher, Sarah Manson scored on an RBI single by Jankowski in the 3rd, opening a 4-0 Western lead. However, the game became interesting in the 5th when Windsor closed the gap to 4-3 on 2 hits and 3 UWO errors. Seemingly unfazed, Jankowski led off the next inning with a bunt single, then stole second & third, and scored on a wild pitch. Next, Sophomore Outfielder, Nicole Shillington hit a single, stole second, and scored on a double by Sophomore middle infielder, Krista Davie to seal a 6-3 UWO victory. Manson (2-0) went the distance in the circle for Western. Offensive stars for the ‘Stangs included Lemon with a triple and a double, Manson a double and 3 singles, Steph Balog two doubles, Jankowski a triple and a single, Sophomore Outfielder, Jess Doerr 3 singles, and Seniors, Steph Valiquette and Keri Lindsay, 2 singles apiece.
The Mustangs next action is this Saturday, Sept 22, a doubleheader vs Brock (1-3) beginning at 2pm at Stronach Park. The Mustangs also play at Stronach this Sunday, Sept 23 vs McMaster (3-1). The first game begins at noon.
UWO Opens Provincial Defense In Convincing Fashion: The Mustangs (4-0) took 4 games in Ottawa over the weekend to open the 2007 season and, in doing so, outscored their opponents 47-4. On Saturday, the ‘Stangs rolled over Carleton (0-2) 18-1 and 12-1 and on Sunday defeated Ottawa (2-2) 9-0 and 8-2. Three of the four games were won by the run rule (>15 run lead after 3 innings or >7 run lead after 5 innings). Western collected 19 hits in the two games vs Carelton and 25 vs Ottawa while giving up just 3 and 7, respectively. Leading the Mustangs offensively were Keri Lindsay with two triples, Kristina Lemon a triple, a double, and 3 singles, Em Cornelius a triple, and 5 singles, Jenna VanAarsen a double and 4 singles while Steph Balog, Sarah Manson, and Stef Valiquette all recorded doubles. Winning pitchers were Kristina Lemon (2-0), Sarah Manson (1-0) and Jess Doerr (1-0).
Mustangs Drop Fall Challenge Championship Game 2-1: In a classic pitcher's battle all three of the runs in the game were unearned. Mustang Emily Cornelius hit a double and scored on a wild pitch in the 1st and the run stood up until the 4th when the Timberwolves scored on a throwing error to 3B. The Mustangs were attempting to get the lead runner at 3B on a scrifice bunt after the first two batters had reached base on seeing eye hits over the infield. LF Cornelius made a fine recovery backing up the error with an excellent throw to SS Steph Balog recording an out on the trail runner. The T-wolves scored again in the 5th when a throw to the plate bounced away and it turned out to be all they would need to win the Championship. Recording hits for the Stangs, in addition to Cornelius' double, were Rhea Jankowski, Kristina Lemon and Balog with 2. Mustang pitchers Sarah Manson and Lemon allowed only 4 T-wolf hits.
Mustangs To Host 5th Annual Fall Challenge: The 2007 Mustang Challenge goes this weekend, Sept 7-9, at Byron’s Optimist Park on Boler Road. It will be the first action for the Mustangs since their dramatic extra inning Ontario Championship victory over The University of Toronto Blues last October. This year’s tournament will feature the Northwood University Timberwolves from Michigan. The T-Wolves are coached by Meaggan Pettipiece who patrolled the outfield for Canada’s National Softball Team between 1998-2004 and played in the 2000 Olympic Games. The T-Wolves play in The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and are coming off an 11-9 season last spring. The Mustangs won the 2006 Ontario conference title with a 20-2 record and return 8 of their starters including Conference All-Stars, Emily Cornelius, Kristina Lemon, and Sarah Manson. A strong group of newcomers led by Conference All-Star, Lindsey McLaughlin, a transfer from The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, and Julianne Proniuk from the 2007 PWSA Ontario Champion Guelph Gators Midget Team are expected to contribute significantly in ‘07. Others teams participating in the ‘07 Challenge include: the St Clair College Saints, the 2006 Ontario College Silver Medalists, the Palmerston Marlins, 2007 Eastern Canadian Midget Champions, and the Byron Blaze, 2007 Grand Valley Conference Midget Champions. The Mustangs play Friday at 6:30pm vs Byron, Saturday, at noon, 4pm, and 6pm vs St Clair, Palmerston, and Northwood, respectively. The tournament semifinals are Sunday at noon and the Championship Game Sunday at 2pm.
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) t
We Are the Champions
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