HAWKS EXTEND WIN STREAK WITH VICTORY OVER NIAGARA
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Niagara ( ) | 16 | 17 | 16 | 0 |
|
Humber ( ) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
By: Natalie Stoberman
ETOBICOKE, ON: The Humber Hawks women's volleyball team extended their win streak to six games Thursday night after a three set sweep over the Niagara Knights – 25-16, 25-17, 25-16. The Hawks, ranked fourth in the CCAA, have now won 16 consecutive sets.
The Niagara Knights made an early run to begin the first set with a few service aces, however Humber answered with eight aces of their own to break away from the Knights. Middle blocker Elizabeth Deakin-Poot led the way with four aces, helping Humber grab a 20-15 lead. The Knights still posed a threat with their solid attack line but Humber kept Niagara at bay by testing their passing game. CCAA All-Canadian Thalia Hanniman continued to be the difference maker for the Hawks, pacing the way with five kills in the set, as Humber won 25-16.
Setter Brittany Vanderlaan continued the service ace trend for the Hawks in the second set by beginning with an ace of her own. The Hawks had to battle against Niagara's tight net game with tips, blocks and kills. Middle blocker Alley Newman had a pair of blocks and also got a hand on virtually all Niagara attacks to slow down each play. Newman's quick reflexes also kept many rallies alive off the block and it made things easier for Vanderlaan to set up eight more kills during the set. The Hawks handily took a 2-0 lead by winning 25-17.
Humber's momentum only grew stronger as the match progressed, as they were able to put the Knights away in the third set. Hanniman notched five more kills in the onslaught and it rubbed off on the rest of the attack line for a total of 28 kills in the match. Niagara was having trouble receiving serves from the Hawks as Humber tallied a staggering 17 aces in the match. The Hawks coasted to sweep the Knights with a 25-16 set victory.
The victory also extends Humber's win streak against Niagara, as they improved to a perfect 20-0 against the Knights all-time.
The "Hawks Nation" player of the game was Thalia Hanniman, who recorded a game-high 13 kills along with one block, three aces and three digs. Next up for the Hawks is a road trip to Windsor, to face the St. Clair Saints (3-3) on November 22, at 1:00 p.m.
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