No. 4 Women's Volleyball finishes season perfect on the road

By: Thiago Neuenschwander
Humber Athletics Communications

LONDON - Even with the top spot in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) West Division already secured and their sights set on the postseason, the country's No. 4-ranked women's volleyball team has shown no signs of slowing down. On an inspired night, head coach Wilkins' squad dominated the Fanshawe Falcons with a 3-0 victory (25-23, 25-21, 25-15), marking their 17th win. With just one match remaining in the schedule, only Humber and Seneca (East) remain undefeated, positioning themselves as the main contenders for the provincial title.

The first set was the most challenging of the match. Fanshawe is one of the few teams that took a set from the Hawks this season (in a 3-1 loss at North Campus back in November) and knew the formula to try and repeat the feat. With a promising start, the Falcons put pressure on Humber's defence through strong plays by Dana Sloan, Grace McLean, and Jaime Worsfold. The home team held its ground until the 12-12 mark when the visitors took control and left no openings for the London-based squad. A brilliant play by Hannah Manners sealed the first set 25-23 for Humber.

Hannah, by the way, was on fire, delivering powerful attacks from all angles. In a stellar performance, the right-side hitter scored 20 points, including 15 kills, three service aces, and two blocks. Simply unstoppable, the No. 10 left no chance for Fanshawe's defence. But the Hawks' inspired afternoon also featured dominant performances from players like Amy Connelly (9K, 1B), Amanda Larsen (5K, 3SA, 1B), and Caitlyn Labelle (7K, 1SA, 1B), who relentlessly challenged the Falcons' defence. The result was inevitable. Another set won, this time 25-21, following a service error by Olivia Burberry.

The third and final set was just a formality. Fanshawe had no answers to the Hawks's relentless pace. Humber quickly opened the set with a 6-0 lead. With a solid game plan led by an explosive offence and tireless defence, the gap widened, becoming nearly insurmountable at 21-10. There was no room for a comeback. A smart tip from the wing by Lexie Zacari sealed the Hawks' 3-0 victory at the Glenn Johnston Athletic Centre.

Humber Highlights

• Humber improves to 44-7 all-time and 35-5 in regular-season matches against Fanshawe.
• The team extended its OCAA win streak to 44 games, dating back to Feb. 11, 2023.
• The Hawks lead the league in hitting percentage (.293) and rank second in kills with 666.
• Hannah Manners leads the OCAA in service aces per set (0.93).
• Amanda Larsen (.407) tops the league in hitting percentage.
• Setter Kennedy Williscroft leads the OCAA in assists per set, with 8.63.
• Chris Wilkins boasts a 451-62 record as Humber's head coach.

What's Next?

In the final game of the regular season, the Hawks will host the Mohawk Mountaineers at North Campus. The match is set for Thursday at 6 PM and will be broadcast live on the Hawks Sports Network.