HAWKS RIDE EMOTION TO SEASON OPENING VICTORY
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Conestoga ( ) | 18 | 23 | 24 | 0 |
|
Humber ( ) | 25 | 25 | 26 | 0 |
By Ashleigh Darrach
ETOBICOKE, ON: The Humber Hawks men's volleyball team take the battle of the birds three sets to none against the Conestoga Condors at their home opener on Thursday.
The beginning of the match was exciting, as both teams were digging balls and making athletic plays. The score was very back and forth until Humber took off and held momentum later in the set. Smart plays on offense allowed Humber to take the first set, 25-18.
Right-side hitter, Alex Gibbs is an asset on offense both at the net and in the back row, making it harder for the Condors to read the offense, and giving the setters more options. He hit many 'C' balls that put Conestoga in bad postions, giving Humber an easier ball to transition off next.
The second set was much of the same as the beginning of the first, with both teams battling. It wasn't until two long rallies won by the Hawks that momentum took a shift in favour of Humber. Second-year hitter, Clayton Blanchette had two big kills on the left-side that provided a spark of energy for the team and got them rolling. Both sides were playing stellar defense, but Humber managed to close out set two, 25-23. First-year hitter Nico Quiben got two blocks and five digs so far in the match.
The back-and-forth ball continued into the third set, with Conestoga taking a momentary lead. They had the advantage at the 23-22 mark, until Humber tied it up and pulled ahead. With determination the hawks closed out set three, 26-24.
Second year sensation Clayton Blanchette was the Hawks leading scorer, and for his efforts he was selected as the Hawk Nation Player of the Game.
The men's team will look to continue their regular season victories against Cambrian Golden Shield and Boreal next weekend in Sudbury.
