Another road victory for No. 4 Women's Volleyball

By: Thiago Neuenschwander
Humber Athletics Communications

KITCHENER - No. 4 Humber women's volleyball extended its win streak to 15 games this season with a 3-1 victory over the Conestoga Condors Saturday afternoon. Despite missing key players like Amanda Larsen, Hannah Manners, and Amy Connelly, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) West Division leaders dominated most of the game, leaving little room for the home team, which remains eighth in the standings (5-10). With this win, the Hawks are now very close to securing the top spot and earning home-court advantage for the postseason.

Match Recap

The first set reflected the standings. On one side, a well-organized team with a tremendous pace and easily closing points. On the other, a squad with plenty of talent but still searching for consistency in the competition. Undefeated and having dropped only three sets all season, Humber faced little resistance as they imposed their game.

Coach Wilkins opted for a mixed lineup featuring players with less court time this season. Even so, the Hawks swiftly closed the first set 25-15. Standouts included Lexie Zicari (17K, 3SA, 1B, and 21Pts) and Caitlyn Labelle (10K, 1B, and 11Pts), whose relentless offensive plays troubled the Condors' defence.

The second set started with the Hawks in control. It seemed to be a continuation of the first set, and to some extent, it was. The visitors maintained dominance and built a 22-16 lead, but then Conestoga called a timeout, changing the narrative. Within minutes, the home team began landing crucial points, serving aces, and capitalizing on Humber's attacking errors. The set went to a tiebreak, and despite the efforts of Wilkins' team, Conestoga took the set 27-25 following a reception error by Humber's defence.

Determined to prevent a broader comeback by the home team, the country's No. 4-ranked squad returned to the court more focused. They quickly built a solid lead (9-5), aided by Conestoga's attacking errors. Alongside Labelle and Zicari, Averi Bodnar (7K, 2B, and 9Pts), Rachael O'Dell (8K, 3B, 3SA, and 14Pts), and Rachel Vanderwall (3K, 2SA, 2B, and 7Pts) became more decisive in key moments. Vanderwall herself sealed the set with a perfect block on Kylie Namtzu, finishing 25-16 and putting the game at 2-1.

The fourth set showcased the Hawks' dominance. Playing with greater confidence and balance, Humber controlled the game completely. They steamrolled past the Condors from the outset, at one point leading 23-13. Although they felt some pressure to close the match and conceded a few points toward the end, Lexie Zicari's ace and a service error by Abby Sluys (Condors) sealed the set 25-18 and the match 3-1 at the Conestoga Student Recreation Centre.

Humber Highlights

• The Hawks remain undefeated against Conestoga, boasting a 29-0 record since Oct. 27, 2010.
• Humber extended its win streak in the OCAA to 42 matches, dating back to Feb. 11, 2023.
• The Hawks lead the league in hit percentage (.291).
• Amanda Larsen (.402) and Lexie Zicari (.395) top the league in hit percentage.
• The Hawks are one win away from capturing the 17th division title during the Coach Wilkins era.
• Setter Kennedy Williscroft leads the OCAA in assists per set, with 8.52.
• Chris Wilkins boasts a 448-62 record as Humber's head coach.

What's Next?

No. 4 Humber will hit the road again for a short trip to Oakville, facing the Sheridan Bruins on Jan. 22. The first serve is scheduled for 6 PM at the Trafalgar Campus Gymnasium. The match will be broadcast live on OCAA Live via YouTube.