HAWKS SWEPT IN A PAIR OF FRIENDLIES VS U OF WINDSOR
STORY BY: Ashleigh Darrach
FRIDAY - MEN'S
The Humber men's team started their first set slow, they had a difficult time transitioning balls. However, mid way through the first set, things started to click. Humber's left-side Clayton Blanchette lead the match in kills (15) and service aces (2). Lancer's pushed against Humber late in the first set, and struggling to play catch-up, Humber lost the first set 25-15.
With a few minor substitutions and tweaks to the lineup, Humber took the floor to begin the second set. The momentum was flowing a bit better in this set, however the unforced errors primarily on serve receive allowed for Windsor to stay on top. Humber loses 25-18.
Steadily improving, the Hawks passed well in the third set allowing them to run their offense against the Lancers more successfully. Right side, Alex Gibbs had a match total of 11 kills and began attacking with more force in this set. Humber was digging balls and playing great defense. Humber takes set three, 25-19.
The final set was point-for-point with each team. Midway through, serve receive broke down a bit forcing the setter to bail to the left side, where Windsor had strong blocks. Humber pulled out a tough battle, but near the end dropped off. Windsor takes the fourth set, 25-22.
SATURDAY – MEN'S
Humber's mens team took the court shortly after noon for their final pre-season match.
The Hawks came out to a strong lead, playing defensively sound and digging up some hard balls delivered by Windsor. The game was back and forth but Humber began to get down on themselves toward the end, and dropped the first set 25-22.
Humber was keeping up with the Lancer's momentum all through the second set. The hawks were passing well, and hustling to dig up every ball. Windsor as putting up big blocks, and although Humber was able to dig and cover the ball, they used a lot of free balls which allowed Windsor to transition well. The final score of the second set was 25-15.
The third set was an example of Humber's work ethic as they were picking up everything. Their offense managed to gel and they were scoring effectively and consistently. The middle was an asset to Humber with some big kills from middle, Kobe John. Mid-way through the set, both teams were tied 12-12 when first-year left side, Nico Quiben dove into the bench to save a ball. Toward the end of the third set, Quiben went back to the service line at 24-20 for Windsor and put in two tough serves that allowed Humber to gain some momentum back. Unfortunately, Windsor had the game point advantage and managed to side out. Humber drops set three, 25-22.
Both teams wrapped up their pre-season in Windsor this weekend, and will have their first 2016-2017 regular season game next Thursday at home against Conestoga, women's at 6 and men's at 8.
