HAWKS REMAIN UNDEFEATED WITH SWEEP OF FALCONS
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fanshawe ( ) | 15 | 26 | 18 | 0 |
|
Humber ( ) | 25 | 28 | 25 | 3 |
By: Natalie Stoberman
Humber remains undefeated after a three set sweep over the Fanshawe Falcons 25-15, 28-26 and 25-18, on home court. Playing without three starters due to injuries, the Hawks have now won ten consecutive sets.
Though the Falcons led the West Division with a two game advantage over Humber, the Hawks took the first set handily to start off the match. The Hawks notched a staggering 12 kills with the front row comprised of Elizabeth Deakin-Poot, Alley Newman and Thalia Hanniman racking up three kills each. However, the Hawks didn't take off until the Falcons called a timeout while trailing 12-17. Humber built upon a remarkable point where Hanniman saved a missed pass heading for the Hawks bench only to win the point by dramatically stuffing Fanshawe's return. The Hawks held the Falcons for three points on their rally to win the set 25-15.
The Falcons battled to stay close with the Hawks but couldn't break down the door. Middle blocker Alley Newman denied Fanshawe with a handful of blocks and outside hitter Deborah Mitchell tacked on five points by surprising the Falcons with her powerful kills and tips at the net. Humber had a sizeable lead until the Falcons capitalized on minor Humber errors to creep up to a 22-20 deficit. Two service aces from Fanshawe's Kristen Bond tied the set at 22 points apiece and completely turned the tide. The Falcons were fired up and won difficult points when Humber couldn't execute on game point. With a 26-25 Fanshawe lead, outside hitter Brooke Kinnaird stepped up with a timely cross-court kill and block that helped the Hawks win the set 28-26.
Fanshawe still had lots left in the tank after the heartbreaker and continued to make it difficult for the Hawks to run away with the match. Setter Brittany Vanderlaan maintained Humber's attack with 11 crisp assists that kept Hanniman and Mitchell swinging hard to close out the match. Humber won the third set 25-18 and extends their win streak to four games to begin the season.
Mitchell was named Hawks Nation Player of the Game after an explosive second and third set where she tallied nine kills on 25 attacks and seven digs. Hanniman also had nine kills, while adding three service aces and two stuff blocks. Second-year setter Brittany Vanderlaan had another strong game as she averaged ten assists-per-game, a new season-high.
The Hawks hit the court again when they travel to Hamilton to face the Mohawk Mountaineers on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m.
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