Hillary Strelau (left), Gord Collings (center), and Hillary Strelau (right)
SURREY, B.C. – On a day where the UBC Thunderbirds honoured two of the most versatile players to ever play in the 'Blue and Gold', the 'Birds put together their strongest conference game of the season in an 8-0 victory over Eastern Oregon.
UBC head coach Gord Collings played several first-year players in the afternoon's second contest, which UBC (6-22, 5-13 CCC) dropped to EOU (24-12, 15-6) by a score of 4-1.
But the day was all about honouring UBC's two seniors, Hillary Strelau and Lindsey Ogilvie. The speedy and crafty Strelau has played multiple positions in her tenure with the 'Birds after transferring from Douglas College before the 2016 season. Her consistent hitting and speed on the base paths made her a prototypical leadoff hitter and offensive catalyst for the 'Birds.
"She even played catcher for us last year when our regulars were injured," said Collings to friends and fans in a post-game address. "And she was very good at it."
Strelau was very good on Saturday, her final home game with the 'Birds, putting up three hits, two runs and three RBIs over the two games. Like she often filled the score sheet, Strelau was filled with emotion after the two games.
"I feel a whole bunch of emotions and I'm really proud of what we came out and accomplished. The first game we came out with a bang and got the 'mercy' (awarded game when leading by eight runs after five innings). The second game was a bit tougher, but I'm just glad we put up a fight. It was a good game," said Strelau.
Ogilvie, a four-year Thunderbird, was a hard-hitting infielder when she was recruited from the Surrey Storm in 2013. Over the course of her Thunderbird career she developed into a durable and often dynamic starting pitcher. With 144 career strikeouts and a .352 career batting average, she will be in the conversation as one of the better two-way players in T-Bird history.
"It's definitely bittersweet. It's nice to be recognized, but it's sad to be leaving the program," said Ogilvie. "I'll definitely miss it. I'll miss the girls."
"I can't say enough about the contributions they've made to the program," said Collings. "Not only on the field, but off the field as well. They're integral parts of the team and we're going to miss them."
Game 1
UBC received a complete-game, four hitter from pitcher Zoe Gillis and exceptional production from the top of their batting order in the 8-0 victory.
Mackezie Siddall's RBI single to score Lexie Brenneis started things off for the 'Birds in the bottom of the second. In the same inning, with the bases loaded, Strelau slapped a flare that landed in front Mountaineer right fielder Jorden Gerlach, scoring two more T-Bird base runners.
UBC broke the game open and ultimately ended the contest with a five run fifth inning. Back to back doubles by Montana Turnovitski and Brenneis produced four runs.
Gillis (4-8) was lights-out in her fourth win of the season. She allowed only four hits over the five innings, walking just one Mountaineer batter.
"That's the way we can play and that's why the frustration this year," said Collings. "Our record doesn't indicate how well this group of girls can play. It's so amazing to watch them go out and do that."
Game 2 (non-conference)
UBC got to work early by manufacturing a run in the bottom of the first. Strelau slapped a bunt single, stole second, advanced to third on a sacrifice fly and scored on Brenneis' single to left field. Unfortunately for the 'Birds, it would be their last run of the day.
Cheyenne Barker, Lauren Burchak and Maryssa Santi all had two hits for the Mountaineers in their 4-1 victory.
Eastern Oregon starter Hailey Kline (15-5) was dominant. She went the distance giving up the one run on just five hits.
Darrian Gerard (0-2) took the loss in just her fourth appearance on the mound in 2017. The Duncan, B.C., native was one of several freshmen who saw action in the afternoon's second game.
"I thought they were a bit nervous on the big stage at home, but they're going to be good," said Collings. "With the work they put in today and already this year, we are looking very good for the future."