No. 4 Women's Volleyball books spot in 16th OCAA final
DURHAM – No. 4 Humber women's volleyball will make their 22nd appearance in the OCAA Championship Game after defeating the Canadore Panthers (9-2, 2nd East) Wednesday evening, 3-1. The final set scores were 25-15, 25-17, 20-25 and 25-16.
Four Humber players finished the match with double-digit point totals, led by fifth-year Middle Aleks Steins who recorded 16 points on eight kills, four aces and four blocks. Erika Dodd put up 14 points on 10 kills, two aces and two blocks. Megan Hunt finished with 12 points on seven kills, three aces and two blocks while Keyome Ellis rounded things out finished with 11 points on seven kills, three aces and one block.
Humber dominated throughout the opening set jumping out to an eight-point lead early forcing a Canadore timeout. The Hawks never let the Panthers back into the set taking a statement first set by 10 points.
The second set was again all Humber as they forced the Panthers into two quick timeouts. The Hawks would lead by as much as eleven in the quarter, with a late Canadore rally resulting in Humber taking the second set by eight points.
The Hawks never get going in the third set as they fell behind early and despite keeping the set close, never retook the lead. The Panthers took the third relatively by five points forcing a fourth set.
The fourth set was tight early on with the sides tied at eight points each. Humber put together a 9-1 run midway through the set, grabbing the momentum. That would prove too much for the Panthers to overcome as Humber coasted through the fourth set to advance to earn their chance at OCAA Gold.
Humber Highlights
- The Hawks will now play for their 16th provincial title - an OCAA record.
- Humber improves to 22-8 all-time in the semifinal round.
- Aleks Steins' 16 points is a new Humber career-high.
- The Hawks' 14 aces in the match tied their season-high total.
- Coach Wilkins recorded his 58th career OCAA postseason victory.
What's Next?
No. 4 Humber will now take on the No. 6 Mohawk Mountaineers (11-1, 2nd West) in the OCAA Championship Game on Mar. 17, hosted by Durham College. First serve is set for 8 p.m.
