Following two victories on the opening day of the 2024 OUS Championship in Napanee, Ont., the University of Toronto Varsity Blues softball team has advanced to the semifinal round.

The Blues opened their title defence as the reigning 2023 champions with a 3-1 victory over Western in the first round of the double elimination tournament. Third-year veteran pitcher Joely Ma delivered a complete game effort, allowing only five hits and the one run. Meanwhile, second-year infielder Shirley Chan went 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBI and two runs, helping secure the early morning victory.

Shifting to the OUS quarter-finals, Toronto made quick work of Queen's earning an impressive 10-0 four-inning win. Five different Blue batters registered an RBI, led by Alexa Aquanno who went 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs. Vanessa Jeffrey earned the win in the pitching circle, allowing just two hits while striking out four Gaels across the four innings of work.

Prior to competition beginning on Friday, the OUS announced their all-stars and major award winners late Friday (Oct. 18) evening. The pair of Olivia Mather and Tala Rennie were both recognized as OUS all-stars, while Jeffrey earned OUS East Pitcher of the Year honours, marking the fourth consecutive year a Varsity Blue has received the honour.

First pitch in the OUS semifinal game versus the West division No. 1 seed Laurier Golden Hawks is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sunday (Oct. 20) morning. The game will be streamed live by OUS partner Softball Premier TV.