Men’s Volleyball falls to Cambrian in five sets

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

ETOBICOKE – Humber men's volleyball (9-6, 5th West) fell against the Cambrian Golden Shield (10-5, 4th West) in five sets (30-28, 22-25, 22-25, 25-16, 13-15).  Outside hitter Teyven Blackmore stole the spotlight in front of the Hawks' fans with a season-high 17 kills, while Caleb Huot secured a career-high 45 assists. 

Match Recap 

After using their wings to fend off the Vipères' fangs yesterday, Humber returned to the Hawks' Nest, aiming to use its wings as a sharp weapon and break through the defence of the Cambrian Golden Shield. Meanwhile, Cambrian arrived in Etobicoke looking to continue their hot start in 2024 after grabbing three consecutive victories. 

Looking to establish a winning streak and boost confidence as the provincial championship draws near, the Hawks got off to a strong start. While Brampton-born player would set the pace of the game by the net with three points, Jaskarn Kalsi and Teyven Blackmore were all business from the end line, scoring an ace each – the score read 7-3 for Humber, forcing Cambrian to call a timeout. This seemed to have helped the Golden Shield find its game, as they would rally from behind and jump ahead on the score, 17-16. With both teams trading points throughout the end of the set, Humber was on the verge of winning the first as Maximum Crowder had service possession. The senior player from Sudbury would step up and drive a powerful ace that would smash Cambrian's end line, securing the first set to the Hawks, 30-28.

In the following set, the fans in the crowd would see an intense back-and-forth clash between the Hawks' sharp wings and Cambrian's solid Golden Shield – no team could get ahead by many points as the score read 17-17. Teyven Blackmore and Kyle Gray-Phillips would fire from outside to put the Hawks up 21-19, but Cambrian would stay consistent to even the match up 21-21; coach Wayne Wilkins would ask for a timeout to organize his team. A questionable net violation call would bring the Golden Shield's confidence back in the game, as they would even the game up with a 25-22 set win. 

After a great performance in the second set, Cambrian returned to the court firing as they kept their great momentum with an early 15-9 lead. The Golden Shield would still increase their lead by seven. Still, the Hawks were not enjoying seeing Cambrian leading the party at the Nest – Maximum Crowder and Caleb Huot would pace the game by the net and Paul Manna was firing from the end line as Humber trimmed the lead down to two, 18-16. The Hawks struggled to tie the game and would see Cambrian capturing the third set, 25-22.

The Hawks knew they had to bring a top-tier performance to force a fifth set, that would not be easy, though, as the Cambrian had its golden shield raised and ready to keep a neck-to-neck game at the Hawks' Nest. Maximum Crowder would come up clutch once again, scoring five points to penetrate Cambrian's shield and set Humber up 20-12. Caleb Huot would step by the end line to ace the set for Humber, 25-16. 

The Hawks' Nest was roaring as Humber fans filled up the Hawks' energy tank. The nerves were on the edge as Cambrian jumped to an early 5-2 lead, but the Hawks still managed to stay calm and keep this game alive, as they would even it up 8-8 and Maximum Crowder would put the defending provincial champions ahead after an unstoppable spike. Both teams would trade points until the end, but Humber could not close the game and would see Cambrian wrapping up the match 15-13. 

Game Notes

• Cambrian won for the first time at the North Campus Gym - a streak spanning 19 matches, dating back to 1995. 
• Humber's six losses are the most in a season since the 2016-17 campaign.

What's Next?

The Hawks will return on Wednesday, Jan. 24, when the Sheridan Bruins (2-11, 9th West) visit the Hawks' Nest. The first serve is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.