ANCASTER, ON. Wednesday evening the Royals travelled to Etobicoke, ON to face the Nationally ranked Humber Hawks. The Hawks have been off to a strong start posting a 5-0 record. In their five wins, Humber has not lost a set. Humber is looking for their fifth OCAA Championship in a row this season and has shown their determination to achieve it.
The Royals were rolling in the first set. Jumping to a 4-1 lead from excellent serving, the Royals established their presence at the service line. Following up their service pressure, Redeemer ran a fluent offence spread by
Davis Young. The Hawks began to match the Royals output and quickly fought back into the match. Late in the first set, the Royals found themselves down 22-20. Rallying off of a service ace and Humber error the Royals levelled the score. Trading points to end, the Hawks finally closed the first set 26-24.
Redeemer and Humber play the same style of ball. Both sides elect to serve and attack aggressively forcing their opponents into low-quality scoring chances. This style, when replicated on the other side of the net makes for a match that has abnormally high quantities of service errors.
Redeemer bounced back in set two 27-25 and tied the match 1-1. This is the first set the Hawks have lost all season. A notable performance through the opening two sets was Royals third-year libero,
Andrew Walcott. Walcott was a steady rock in serve receive and had several momentum-swinging digs.
The Humber Hawks started the third set quickly. Maintaining the tough service pressure they established in the first two sets and forcing Redeemer errors, Humber jumped to an early lead. The Royals broke free from their early struggles, however, they could not close the gap they gave up early. Humber went on to win the third set 25-17.
The Royals continued their struggle in the fourth set and Humber took advantage. The Royals were able to fight back through the middle of the set, however, the Hawks were able to pull away and close the fourth set.
The Humber Hawks took this match 3-1. Redeemer has shown that they can compete at the top. As the season progresses, if the Royals can continue to build on their foundation, they will be a team to watch come playoff time.
Redeemer's next match is this Saturday against the Conestoga Condors. Join us before the men's match at 3:00 PM for the Hall of Fame Induction of Former Men's Volleyball Coach Wayne Harris. The ceremony will take place after the women's match.
