WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL WIN FIRST NATIONAL MEDAL
March 12, 2016
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- For the first time in Humber College women's volleyball history, the Hawks won a CCAA National Championship medal, a well-earned bronze medal at the 2016 CCAA tournament. Humber defeated the Alberta (ACAC) champion Briercrest Clippers 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 26-24) in what was the most spirited match of the entire week.
Incredible performances were put in by a number of Hawk players. Fifth-year star outside hitter Thalia Hanniman made her last game as a Hawk, had her best game at the 2016 Nationals. She led the team with 17 offensive points, based on 14 kills, two service aces and a block. Brynne Spence-Coleman was ice from the service line, leading all players with six aces, and finished with 12.5 points. Humber Player of the Game Alexandra Newman chipped in 9 kills, one ace, two blocks and a block assist.
But, perhaps the most inspirational moment of the match came at the hands of outside hitter and Humber's only addition to last year's squad, Devan O'Connor. With the game hitting the 20 point mark, O'Connor had to be helped off the floor after twisting an ankle. Quick assessment and taping got her back in time to make a kill to put Humber up 25-24, and then she delivered the bronze medal winning ace.
Bedlam ensued after the linesman pointed his flag down to indicate an ace.
"This is just so special", said Hawks head coach Chris Wilkins, who was trying to shake off a tear or two. "This group refused to break, and now have a bond which will unite them forever."
The first set, like everyone but the third, was as tight as tight can be. The game was tied at 20 before the Clippers moved ahead and closed out the set 25-22.
The second set, just as the first was tied at 20-20. A booming kill by Hanniman pushed the Hawks up 24-21. The Briercrest squad refused to fold, forcing the Hawks' hand at 24-23. Humber used a well-placed ball to close out the set and tie the match.
The third set was tied at 7's before the Hawks went on a number of runs and held big leads. Briercrest was unable to answer at any point, as the Hawks played side-out ball and did not allow the Clippers any opening. The final score provided Humber with its most dominating win of the week, at 25-17.
The fourth and final set was another barn burner, or as the CCAA rep tweeted out – a slobber knocker. The Clippers held a 2 point lead almost all the way, that is until Humber tied it at 18. The score rolled out tied at 21's, tied at 22's, tied at 23's and tied at 24's. It wasn't until O'Connor's heroics, as mentioned above, came into play.
Thalia Hanniman was selected as a championship First Team All Star, for the second consecutive year. Alley Newman and Deborah Mitchell were chosen as Second Team all Stars.
