St. Clair’s softball Saints playing for the love of the game

By Sunnio Zeng

Each throw may not be the most beautiful, but the arc is there, against the golden autumn sky.

“Good shot!”

Cheers erupt from the stands as spectators watch the St. Clair College women’s softball team take on Humber College in a doubleheader at home Oct. 1.

St. Clair won the first game easily 5-0 and the second game was closer with a score of 3-2.

The St. Clair Saints have won 16 of their 20 games this season, putting them in good position for the championship game in Ottawa Oct. 8.

For some of the players, this is a dream come true.

“When I was 10 years old, I began to practice softball,” said infielder Michaela Rilett. “I think softball is a team sport. It represents the spirit of teamwork.”

Women’s softball does not enjoy the same level of interest as men’s baseball, but proponents say it has a profound significance for strengthening the foundation of sports and forming a good atmosphere for the athletes.

This day, dozens of fans cheered on the Saints and the Humber Hawks, showing their love and support of these teams.

“I am pleased with their performance, and…the most important thing to play tough, be confident in training,” said assistant coach Mark Ouellette, who has a long history with the team. This is his second year with the Saints after an extended absence. He coached the women’s team from 2006-2013 and helped it win back-to-back OCAA championship titles in 2008 and 2009.

In recent years, Canada’s colleges and universities have embraced women’s softball and they hope it continues to grow.