Three straight sweeps to open the season for No.1 Women's Volleyball
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sault (0-3, 0-3) | 22 | 9 | 13 | 0 |
|
Humber (3-0, 3-0) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications
ETOBICOKE – Top-ranked Humber women's volleyball (3-0, 1st West) made quick work of the Sault College Cougars (0-3, 9th West), earning a straight-set victory (25-22, 25-9, 25-13) in its 2025 home opener on Saturday afternoon at the Hawks' Nest.
The victory keeps Humber undefeated on the year and pushes their winning streak against OCAA teams to 52 matches, dating back to Feb. 11, 2023.
The Hawks dominated from the service line, with Lexie Zicari recording a new career high with seven aces.
Match recap
It was a long-awaited return to the Hawks' Nest for Humber women's volleyball, and the defending provincial powerhouse didn't disappoint. New year, same dominance.
Head coach Chris Wilkins' squad entered the home opener riding two straight-set wins to start the season and sitting atop the CCAA national rankings. Facing the visiting Sault College Cougars, Humber saw the matchup as another chance to extend its dominance in OCAA play.
The underdog Cougars didn't shy away from the challenge, pushing the top-ranked Hawks early in the opening set. Humber struggled to connect with its outside hitters and trailed for much of the frame, but the Hawks' depth proved decisive. They surged ahead 17-16 and rookie Jessie McDonaugh sealed the set with an ace for a 25-22 win.
Despite the early struggles in the opening set, the Hawks soared in the second. The Cougars stumbled in serve reception, allowing Humber to take control from the service line. Seven service aces — five from Zicari, who served 12 straight points, along with one each from Lexi Sabo and Amy Connelly — powered the Hawks to their best set performance of the season in a commanding 25-9 win.
The third set was a mere formality. The Hawks dominated from start to finish, controlled every rally and coasted to a 25-13 win to complete the sweep.
Amy Connelly was named the Player of the Game, recording 11 points, one block solo, one service ace and six digs.
Humber Highlights
- The Hawks have never lost to the Cougars, with a 12-0 all-time record.
- Humber has never dropped a set against Sault College.
- Humber has now won 52 consecutive matches against OCAA opponents, a streak dating back to Feb. 11, 2023.
- Head coach Chris Wilkins owns a 461-63 all-time overall record.
- Humber hasn't lost on home court since Feb. 9, 2023, extending their streak to 29 straight wins.
- Lexie Zicari's seven service aces are a new career high.
- Reese Cholette recorded a new season high with 10 digs.
What's next?
The Hawks will be back in action tomorrow, Nov. 2, welcoming the Sault College Cougars (0-3, 9th West) in the second matchup of their season series. The first serve is set for 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.
