The University of Toronto Varsity Blues fastpitch team got their season underway this weekend at Dieppe Park vs Wilfred Laurier University. 
 
Laurier stormed out to an early lead, eventually getting ahead 8-0 after five innings. The Blues were able to show some fight and despite two doubles and two runs driven in from Alika Kingsbury, and two more hits from shortstop Mercedes Roddau, it wasn't enough. Unfortunately, Laurier was able to squirm out of trouble in the last inning and come out with the 8-5 victory.
 
In Game 2, Toronto was able to jump out to the quick start, continuing the strong second half play from Game 1. Left fielder Karen Nishi drove in a run in the first inning, as well as adding three more hits later on. In the second inning, Aliya Shafi and Nicole Knudsen drove in runs as well getting the Blues out to a 4-0 lead.  From that point, Taisley Isaac took over in the pitching circle, throwing six scoreless innings, striking out nine batters along the way. The final score ended 6-2, ending a soggy, but extremely good opening day against a tough Laurier side.
 
Sunday's games saw the fastpitch ladies receive two wins by forfeit. Sadly, Waterloo was unable to field a team for the games, and the Blues will get credit for two, 7-0 victories.  This runs the fastpitch team's record to 3-1 to open the season.
 
The Varsity Blues are back on the diamond against York University, on Saturday, September 19, at Maple Community Park (101 McNaughton Rd in Vaughan).  

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