The OUS Championship weekend is here… games commence Saturday at 9AM in Innerkip ON. Here are the opening match previews…

Toronto (19-1) vs McMaster (7-13)

Toronto will begin the quest for their 3rd straight OUS championship with an opening round game against McMaster Saturday morning. Toronto lost only once during the 5 week regular season, and will be bringing strong senior leadership, pitching and top level defense to the match Saturday vs McMaster. Shirley Chan is a leader for the Blues, at the top of the line-up and will be one that McMaster will need to keep off the bases Saturday. The Blues have several capable pitchers they can throw in this opening match as well.

McMaster is back in the playoffs, but coach Amaro will have his athletes ready to play hard and seek the upset in round 1. McMaster has knocked off the top team from the west already this season, so why not add another to their resume. McMaster will need a complete team effort Saturday to get the job done.

Queen’s (12-8) vs Windsor (11-9)

A great first round match-up is set between the Gael’s and the Lancers. Two of the top pitchers in the league this season could clash in this matchup Saturday morning. Queen’s Maddie Hickingbottom has dominated this season, and the OUS championship format could bode well for the Gaels. Windsor’s Jayde Melhuish McGahan had a great season of her own, and will give the Gaels a tough opponent out of the gate Saturday.

Both teams will need their offenses to score when given a small window of opportunity. Both teams have veteran leaders, Queen’s has been off for two weeks, Windsor has had the luxury of playing last weekend in the National Championship in Calgary.

Ottawa (11-9) vs Laurier (13-7)

Ottawa will have the longest trip to reach the event, so they will want to stay in town as long as they can. Which means they will need to start with a solid effort vs Laurier Saturday. Ottawa brings team speed, and a cast of veteran athletes to the playoff stage. The Gee Gee’s also have a younger group of athletes that would like to do well this weekend in Innerkip. Ela Day Bedard, will be a player that the Hawks will need to control at the plate.

Laurier placed 2nd in the West, and has a group of athletes that think they can win this event. To get past the Gee Gee’s the Hawks will need a strong pitching performance, so we may expect to see Emily Cox Saturday. With Cox on the mound, Laurier has won many games this fall… could there be another in the cards Saturday?

York (9-11) vs Western (17-3)

Western always seems to find a way to be at or near the top of the standings and in a position to win championship weekend. Western’s first year coaching team will have their athletes ready for this opening games against an opponent that has scores lots of runs this fall in the Eastern division. Western’s pitching depth may carry them this weekend, and it begins Saturday vs York.

The Lions captured the final playoff spot in the East, largely in part to a 6-0 week 4 weekend. York as mentioned relies on its offense, and they will need to score early to keep pace with the bats of the Mustangs. York 1-2-3-4 batters rival any in the league.