HAWKS AND CROSS COUNTRY RIVAL VIE FOR SPOT IN GOLD GAME
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI: The Humber Hawks have participated with and played against Vancouver Island University (VIU) on many occasions, including a number of practices and exhibition games this past holiday break in Hawaii. This familiarity will be put to the test in the CCAA National Women's Volleyball semi-final game on Friday night at 5:00 pm (EST), when these two teams face each other in a game to be played at Holland College.
Humber, seeded # 2 in the championship, advanced to the semi-final by way of a 3-0 win over the 7th seeded, and ACAA champion Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics. VIU, who sat at number two in the national rankings almost all season before dropping the PACWEST final, entered the tournament as the 6th seed and knocked off the #3 Briercrest Clippers (ACAC).
As mentioned earlier, the coaches have had and continue to have a strong bond even in the most competitive of times. And, the players have seen each other on and off the court.
The Hawks had terrific first game performances from a number of players, with the finest showing coming from fifth year libero Deborah Mitchell. Chantal Cummings came up big in the Mariners 5-set win over Briercrest.
Humber has been unable to best the Mariners in championship play, and this fact is surely a factor Hawks head coach Chris Wilkins will try to use to his advantage. The Hawks now have a game under their belt with the new ball used at nationals, and they should be able to "up" their service game, something that has helped them keep teams on edge all year. Thalia Hanniman, 2015 OCAA Player of the Year, is a big time player and should shine in her last shot at national gold.
CCAA PREVIEW: http://www.ccaa.ca/matchups-set-for-wvb-nationals-p201535
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.ccaa.ca/national-championship-s15083
WATCH LIVE: http://www.ccaa.ca/watch-live-s15149
