HAWKS UNABLE TO FIND RYTHYM IN OPENING 3-0 LOSS TO VIU AT NATIONALS
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Humber (0-1, 0-0) | 22 | 22 | 23 | 0 |
|
VIU (1-0, 0-0) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
RED DEER, AB: The Humber Hawks return to the national stage did not render the result the team was looking for, as they dropped a tight 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-23) match to PACWEST's Vancouver Island University (VIU).
With the loss, Humber will now set their sights on the run to the 2019 CCAA National bronze medal. This journey starts on Friday afternoon in the bronze medal quarterfinal against the defending national champion Limoilou Titans. Game time is set for 5:00 pm (EST).
The Mariners dictated the pace and controlled the flow throughout the match, allowing Humber to draw close in the twenties, but never permitting the Hawks to draw into a tie or lead.
The fight still shone brightly within the Hawks, especially in the last set, when they came back from a seven-point deficit to draw within a point at 18-17. It was the dreaded run that was the undoing as the Mariners jumped back into a four-point lead at 24-20. Humber, refusing to die, were just a side-out from tying the game at 24 and forcing the set into extra's.
A missed Hawks serve closed out the set and the match, and it was this type of error troubled Humber throughout the match. In the second set, VIU scored their 24th and 25th point without having to play a ball, as both serves missed their mark. The first set featured six missed serves. On the night, Humber had 13 miscues from the service line.
There were a number of highlights on the evening too, as Rafael Hilario stunned the crowd with multiple thunderous kills. And, the inspiring long service run by setter Jake Gomes in the third set should pay dividends for the Hawks confidence as the championship moves on.
Four Hawks hit for double figures on the night, led by Hilario's 13 kills. Middle John Obi kicked in 11, while Dylan Devecseri and Kamyn Wilkins each had 10.
For his efforts, Devecseri was selected as the Humber Player of the Game.
