DURHAM'S JONES NAMED OCAA FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce that Peyton Jones of Durham College has been named its 2024-25 Female Rookie of the Year.
TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce that Peyton Jones of Durham College has been named its 2024-25 Female Rookie of the Year. Jones made an immediate and profound impact with Durham Lords women's softball, emerging as a cornerstone of the team's success both on and off the field.
Jones (Oshawa) was a duel threat for the Lords both at the plate and from the pitcher's circle. Jones led the OCAA during the regular season with 37 runs batted in, six home runs and 11 doubles, was second in total bases with 67, and third with 32 runs scored. Jones produced a slash line of .480/.512/.893 in 86 plate appearances. Jones was second among all players in slugging percentage, fifth in batting average and sixth in on base percentage.
From the rubber, Jones was second in the league in strike outs with 68 and a .144 opponent's batting average. Jone's 1.46 earned run average was also in the top three. Jones was honoured as the women's softball OCAA Player of the Year, OCAA Rookie of the Year, an OCAA League First-Team All-Star and headlined the OCAA All-Rookie Team.
Jones' individual efforts helped the Lords to great team success, winning 24 straight games to finish the regular season undefeated. Taking this streak into the Canadian Collegiate Softball Association (CCSA) National Championship, Jones and the Lords continued to roll.
Jones went 2-for-3 with a double and four RBI to defeat the Ottawa Gee-Gees 10-2 in the championship opener. Later that same day, Jones added two doubles and drove in three RBI while allowing zero runs on just three hits over seven innings, striking out nine in a 5-0 win over the UBCO Heat. Following two more victories, the Lords faced OCAA-rival Humber for national gold. Jones took to the rubber and threw 101 pitches over seven innings, striking out a dozen while adding some timely offence in a 7-1 victory, bringing home Durham's first-ever CCSA national title. Jones was named Championship MVP.
In pursuit of an unprecedented 22nd OCAA championship, the Lords hosted provincials on home turf. Jones went 1-for-3 with a run and RBI as Durham opened the competition with a 10-0 win over Conestoga. Jones took to the rubber later in the day, throwing seven complete innings allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out eight in a 5-1 win over St. Clair.
The following day, Durham squared off with Humber again, this time for provincial gold. Jones went 3-for-4 with a double, scoring twice and adding an RBI as the Lords finished their season undefeated with an 8-0 victory and 32-game winning streak. Jones was named Championship MVP once again.
The honours kept on coming for Jones following the season, being named not only Durham College's Women's Softball MVP but Overall Female Athlete of the Year as well.
As a first-year student-athlete Jones embraced Lords culture—volunteering for team initiatives, engaging with fans and the community, and consistently representing the program with class. Jones' potential for long-term impact within the OCAA is undeniable, and an extraordinary rookie season is only the beginning of what promises to be an exceptional collegiate career.
2024-25 OCAA MAJOR AWARDS
Apr. 8 - Matthew Ferreira, Athletic Administrator of the Year
Apr. 9 - Betty Calic, Coach of the Year
Apr. 10 - Payton Jones & Kale Murray, Rookies of the Year
Apr. 11 - Athletes of the Year
- OCAA -
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