Men's Volleyball jump up the standings with weekend sweep

By: Stefan Gerardi
Humber Athletics Communications

ETOBICOKE - Humber men's volleyball (2-2, 5^th West) swept its weekend doubleheader to notch their first two victories of the 2022-23 campaign. The Hawks tacked on their tally in the win column on Saturday evening against the Cambrian Golden Shield (2-2, 5^th West), while Sunday afternoon saw the squad defeat the Boréal Vipères (0-5, 9^th West). 

Humber vs. Cambrian

The Hawks picked up their first win of the young season with their four-set victory (25-17, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17) over the Cambrian Golden Shield. The Hawks played hard offensively and defended with grit as they posted 48 kills, 35 assists, 13 aces, and eight blocks over the match's four sets. 

Looking to get into the win column for the first time this season, the Hawks knew they had to bring a top-tier effort into their matchup with the Cambrian Golden Shield. The first set was welcomed with roars from Humber fans which the Hawks fed off as they dominated and cruised to a 25-17 set victory. 

Cambrian looked to even the match at one as they jumped out to an early lead in the second set. The Golden Shield were a mere four points away from claiming the set; however, the Hawks came from behind with an explosive offensive drive. Humber defended with tenacity, and the squad was awarded a 25-21 set win. 

The Golden Shield won the third set by a narrow three-point margin, but their momentum didn't continue onto the match's fourth set. Humber hurdled ahead to take a demanding lead in the fourth set, and the squad never looked back. Although Cambrian made a late push, it was not enough, and the Hawks were awarded their first win of the season. 

Fifth-year veteran Jake Gomes was lights-out as he led the Hawks in assists with 32, digs with nine and blocks with four. Belleville native Michael McAlpine recorded a team-high six axes, while Gabriel Medes topped the team with his 14 kills. 

Humber vs. Boréal

Humber returned to the North Campus Gym on Nov. 6, sweeping the Boréal Vipères in straight sets (25-13, 25-13, 25-8) to improve their record to an even .500 on the campaign. The team posted 27 kills, 25 assists, 18 aces and eight digs through the match's three sets. 

After the Hawks jumped out to a 13-10 lead in the match's first set, the floodgates opened as Humber went on an 8-0 run to put them ahead by 11 and only four points away from a set victory. Boreal managed to get back three points, but the Hawks easily closed out the set as they secured their 25^th point on a Michael McAlpine service ace. 

Boreal hurdled ahead to an early 5-3 lead in the second set as they were looking to knot the match at one. The Hawks' fiery offence took back the lead, but the Vipers weren't going away. As Humber took a 12-10 lead, the rowdy crowd at North Campus gym pumped up their team, and the Hawks closed out the set on an impressive 13-3 run to take a commanding 2-0 set lead. 

With thoughts of back-to-back victories, the Humber Hawks put on an offensive clinic in the third set to close the match. The Hawks controlled the set as they led by double digits for most of the time. Boreal could get nothing going as they only notched eight points in the set, and the Hawks were awarded their second victory of the 2022-23 season.

Michael McAlpine concluded his impressive weekend for the Hawks by topping the team in kills with ten against the Vipères. First-year setter Jayden Benjamin led Humber in assists with 18 and digs with three, while Jake Gomes had another impressive match as he posted a team-high seven aces. 

Humber Highlights

• The Hawks have won their 36^th straight match over the Cambrian Golden Shield, improving their all-time record to 38-5.
• Humber has never lost to Boréal in program history and is now 26-0 all-time against the Vipères.
• The Hawks have won 78 sets in a row against Boreal.
• Jake Gomes sits second in the OCAA with 1.31 service aces per set.

What's next?

Humber will conclude its three-match homestand on Nov. 16 against the Conestoga Condors (0-2, 8th West). First serve is slated for 8 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.