HAWKS ROLL TO SEASON OPENING WIN IN FRONT OF HOME CROWD
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Conestoga ( ) | 10 | 8 | 12 | 0 |
|
Humber ( ) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
ETOBICOKE, ON: The Humber Hawks women's volleyball team started their season opener with a 3-0 win against the Conestoga Condors.
With a half rookie team finally wearing their blue and yellow jerseys in front of the big 'H' for the first time, and a large crowd, nerves and excitement filled the air.
The first few points of the game weren't in favour of Humber as the Hawks struggled to get a good pass up, and get themselves back in system. A 4-2 lead by the Condors is when Humber started to find their rhythm and they went on a run of points.
The game plan for Humber's game was to maintain tough serving on their side to get easier transition balls that would allow Humber to dictate the flow and speed of the offense. The Hawks took set one 25-10.
Humber came back out much stronger in set two. Serving was great all throughout the second set. Third-year middle for the Hawks, Elizabeth Deakin-Poot went on a serving run that allowed the Hawks to maintain a significant lead, Deakin-Poot scored a match high of 5 service aces. Toward the end of the first set, first-year setter, Celine Blanchette went on another serving run, getting three aces herself, and closed out the second set. Humber takes set two, 25-8.
The third set of the match was a nearly all-rookie lineup which allowed Humber to showcase it's depth from the bench. Games like this when the hawks are up 2-0 allow for more touches to develop all players.
First-year Harlie Lawrence said, "the first game at home was an easy transition," having played in Alberta previously, Lawrence is far from home and new to the culture of Humber, but is embracing it, "I obviously still had nervous energy in my body, but it was easy to overcome knowing that the team, coaches and crowd were supporting me."
While struggling off the bat in the third set to find their rhythm, Humber never allowed themselves to get rattled, and managed to play a level-headed set after settling in. Humber takes set three, 25-12.
The scoring was spread around, but when the dust settled it was Golding that led the squad with 11 offensive points, based on 6 kills, 3 aces and 2 stuff blocks in just 2 sets. O'Connor checked in with double digits, via 5 kills, 4 aces and a stuff block, for a total of 10 points. Deakin-Poot led the team from the service line, with 5 aces.
Emma Heeney was selected as the Hawk Nation player of the game.
The Hawks have this weekend off, but will be heading to Sudbury next weekend to play a double-header against Cambrian Golden Shield, and Boreal Vipers.
