The final weekend of regular season play, and another great weekend weather wise. That will allow for one final week of awesome softball action across the league. Let’s have a look at the match-ups for Saturday.
McMaster (6-10) vs Guelph (5-11)
As the regular season winds down, the Guelph Gryphons (5-11) host McMaster for a pivotal doubleheader in the West. With both teams sitting near the edge of the playoff standings, this series carries added weight as they fight to grab the final spot.
With both teams desperate for wins, expect a tightly contested matchup. Each game could hinge on key defensive plays and timely hitting. For Guelph and McMaster, this doubleheader may very well determine who keeps their postseason hopes alive — and who starts looking ahead to next year.
Brock (4-12) vs Laurier (10-6)
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Brock Badgers (4-12) travel to face the Laurier Golden Hawks (10-6) in a Saturday doubleheader with very different stakes for each team. While Brock looks to finish the season strong and possibly sneak into the playoffs, Laurier has its sights set on bigger goals — a 2nd place finish, and a strong preparation week for the National Championship next week.
It is Pink in the Park Day at Hillside Upper today, first pitch around 2pm.
Windsor (9-7) vs Western (14-2)
One of the most heated rivalries in OUS reignites this weekend as the Windsor Lancers (9-7) travel to London to take on the powerhouse Western Mustangs (14-2) in a high-stakes doubleheader. With playoff seeding positions, this matchup promises intensity from the first pitch.
Windsor would love to get into the 2nd seed by the end of the weekend, and that means they need wins today in London. With Laurier leading by a game, and holding the tie-breaker the Lancers will need wins, and some help in other series this weekend.
Toronto (15-1) vs York (9-7)
A key late-season showdown is set for this weekend as the red-hot York Lions (9-7) take on the first-place Toronto Varsity Blues (15-1) in a big doubleheader with major playoff implications.
Toronto enters the matchup as the team to beat in the OUS, having dominated all season behind a balanced roster and standout pitching. Their lone loss came last week vs Waterloo, with the top seed all but locked up, Toronto will look to stay sharp and send a message to potential playoff opponents.
York, however, is surging at the right time. The Lions went a perfect 6-0 last weekend, climbing into upper half the playoff picture and putting themselves in good position for the second seed. Fueled by strong performances from both their pitching staff and middle of the lineup, York will be eager to prove they can hang with the league’s best.
Ottawa (7-9) vs TMU (3-13)
The stakes couldn’t be higher for TMU as they host the Ottawa Gee-Gees (9-7) in a pivotal doubleheader this weekend. With just four games left in the regular season, TMU’s playoff hopes hang by a thread — they must win all four of their remaining games and have Ottawa lose all four of theirs to sneak into the final playoff spot. That makes this head-to-head matchup a must-sweep for the Bold.
TMU has struggled this season but showed flashes of potential, particularly in close games. They’ll need a flawless performance on both sides of the ball. Ottawa, meanwhile, controls its own destiny. With a solid 9-7 record, the Gee-Gees are looking to lock up a playoff berth and possibly climb higher in the standings. For TMU, it’s all or nothing. For Ottawa, it’s a chance to seal their postseason ticket.
Queen’s (10-6) vs Waterloo (4-12)
With the postseason fast approaching, the stakes are high for both teams as Queen’s travels to face Waterloo in a Saturday doubleheader that could shape the final OUS playoff picture. For Waterloo (4-12), it’s do-or-die. The Warriors must win all four of their remaining games this weekend and hope Ottawa drops all four of theirs to have a shot at the final playoff spot.
On the other side, Queen’s (10-6) enters the weekend with a very different goal: securing the #2 seed heading into playoffs. The Gaels have been strong all season, combining consistent pitching with timely hitting. Waterloo is fighting for survival, while Queen’s is chasing a top 2 playoff position. With everything on the line for both sides—albeit for different reasons—expect a competitive, emotional series as the regular season nears its end.