HAWKS HAVE HOLES TO FILL AS SECOND HALF OPENS ON THURSDAY
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sheridan ( ) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
|
Humber ( ) | 20 | 16 | 20 | 0 |
ETOBICOKE, ON: The Humber Hawks men's volleyball team made some great strides in the first half of the season, especially with a team almost entirely made up new players. They moved up in the national rankings and sat with a solid 7-2 record.
This coming Thursday they will open up the second half on home court, with a match-up with the Sheridan Bruins. The two teams met to open the season way back in October, with the Hawks taking the road win by a score of 3-1.
The Hawks will be without leading scorer Nathan Murdock, as he is unavailable to compete in the second semester. The dynamic outside hitter was second overall in league scoring with a terrific mark of 4.8 points per set. Veteran middle Alex Stefaniuk has also left the squad, leaving a hole both offensively and defensively.
This being said, do not count the Hawks out just yet. Head Coach Wayne Wilkins has a rich history in motivating Hawk teams, even with the losses of significant contributors. A play-off spot is still on the minds, and in sight for the Humber squad.
Murdock aside, the Hawks still boast four players with averages over the 2.0 pps mark. Freshman Clayton Blanchette has been an impact player and one of the best freshmen in the entire league.
Sheridan enters the game hanging onto the sixth and final play-off spot in the West Division, with a mark of five wins and four losses. They are only two losses out in the loss column from every single team in front of them in the standings.
The Bruins are led by a trio of explosive offensive talents. Josh Butler leads the way with his mark of 3.1 points per set. Patrick Andula squeezes just in behind him with his own average of 3.0 pps. Perennial All-Star Jeremy Fantin checks in at 2.7 pps.
Humber travelled to Quebec over the holiday break to participate in the prestigious Limoilou Invitational. The results there, not wins and losses, but cohesion and health will play a big factor as the second half begins. Any wins along the way would bolster the Hawks efforts towards staying in position as a play-off team.
Sheridan, winners of three of the last four, are looking for a good start to challenge for a higher seed within the division.
The first serve will fly at 8:00 pm, from the Humber Athletic Centre.
Should you be unable to attend the game, you can catch it "LIVE", by clicking on the link below:
