ETOBICOKE, Ont -- In honour of the women’s volleyball team winning its 10th consecutive Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) gold medal, From the Archives is taking a look back at the program’s first provincial title.

Humber joined the women’s volleyball circuit in 1983 and made only one championship appearance over the next 14 seasons.  During this span, the Hawks accumulated an OCAA record of 140-85(.622).

Under the guidance of sixth-year head coach Dave Hood, Humber completed the 1997-98 regular season 12-0 and looking to make its first championship appearance in seven years.

That season, future Humber Hall of Fame member Christine Rudics (1994-99) claimed her third scoring title after finishing with a program record 5.9 points per set.

Despite Humber’s regular season dominance, the Hawks narrowly escaped an upset in the opening round after defeating the Durham Lords 3-2 (15-13, 12-15, 13-15, 15-6, 15-10).

After rolling past Niagara and Sheridan in the quarter and semi-finals, the Hawks were tasked with upsetting the two-time champion Algonquin Thunder. 

Behind Championship MVP Cindy Ross, Humber won the program’s first provincial title after a straight set sweep of the Thunder – 15-6, 15-6, 15-6.

In the 19 years following Humber’s first title, the Hawks have won 18 medals, including a league-best 13 gold while amassing an astounding 304-22(.933) OCAA record.