HAWKS CLOSE OUT REGULAR SEASON WITH QUICK 3-0 ROAD WIN OVER MOHAWK

HAWKS CLOSE OUT REGULAR SEASON WITH QUICK 3-0 ROAD WIN OVER MOHAWK

Recap by Aideena Wickstrom

HAMILTON, ON: The Humber Hawks men's volleyball team faced games on back-to-back days to end regular season play, but they seemed unfazed as they parlayed Friday's 3-0 home win on Friday vs Niagara at home with an identical 3-0 sweep on Saturday at Mohawk.  

In the opening set, the Hawks struggled to find their footing as they allowed Mohawk to enter a four point lead. Now working from behind, the Hawks were unable to go on any significant servicing runs for points. But after a few kills by Dylan Devesceri and John Obi, the Hawks soon pushed themselves to a 10-10 tie. Losing the lead, Mohawk called the first timeout of the game. Humber continued to put in the work though, as they re entered the court and put an offensive show on for the audience. With kills by Kamyn Wilkins, John Obi, and Rafael Hilario, Humber soon pushed themselves into a four point lead. Falling to the pressure the Hawks placed on them, Mohawk soon dropped the set to Humber. The final score was 25-18. 

As both teams hit the court in the second set, it was evident each side had the eagerness to win. Rotating the lead throughout the first half of the set, it was hard to guess which way the set was going to go. Tying up at 5-5, 9-9, and 12-12, the game was running slow. That is, until Humber's offence began to step up to their playing field. With kills by Andrew Blakey and Dylan Devesceri, the Hawks soon found themselves into a four point lead. This was extended as Kamyn Wilkins entered the service line and earned the Hawks a four point run. Just when it seemed like Humber had the victory, Mohawk came out from underneath and rallied lessen their deficit to a mere 22-21. The Hawks remained unshaken though, as a kill, then service ace by Kamyn Wilkins finished the set at 25-22. 

Humber was able to showcase their whole lineup in the final set, as each athlete entered the court and did their job effectively. With an impressive 5 point serving run by Jake Gomes to start the Hawks off, it was clear this set was unlike the first two. Rrezart Sadiku made two impressive kills and then a service ace to bring the Hawks into a nine point lead. This only increased, as Humber's Collin Skanes guarded his court through the middle position. A time out was called by Mohawk's head coach at 21-9, but seemed too late to be impactful for them. The game was over after middle Andrew Blakey put up two unbeatable blocks, and left Mohawk with no offensive options. The final score was 25-14. 

The lead scorers in this match were Dylan Devesceri with 9 kills and an ace, and Rafael Hilario with 7 kills and 2 digs. Jake Gomes increased the Humber Varsity record for Service Aces within a season, as he earned 3 this game. His total is now at 50, the previous record was 46. 

What's Next?

Humber, by way of their hosting the 2019 OCAA Provincial Championship have already advanced to the Final Eight event. Although their opponent has yet to be determined, Humber will play at 6:00 pm on Thursday, February 21/