Beat Fanshawe in straight sets

By Amy Kuzyk
Sports Reporter

LONDON, Ont — The men’s volleyball team made a statement heading into the Ontario championships with a convincing victory last week on the road against rivals Fanshawe Falcons last Wednesday.

“To beat them on home court a couple of weeks before provincials sends a huge message,” said Head Coach Wayne Wilkins.

Until the game, the Falcons were ranked second in Ontario and eighth in Canada. Tension between the two teams runs deep as either could take provincials when they are held in London Feb. 21-23.

“I think we did really well, considering we came into a hostile environment and considering the track record between our two schools,” said middle Brendan Wong.

All three sets started off close, but Humber controlled the pace throughout winning 25-21, 25-16, 25-22 and improving to 8-1.

“I’m a big preparation guy,” said Wilkins. “I’m all about understanding our opponent. If there’s a weakness, we’re going to exploit it. We were ready for these guys.”

Several Humber players had strong outings, stunning the Falcons with kills. Clayton Johnston contributed 12, while Duane Mondesir had nine.

Wilkins was pleased with his team’s performance.

“The guys played really well,” he said. “It was a hard-fought battle, but everything fell into place.”

“I’ve never won in Fanshawe in my five years that I’ve been here,” said Michael Smith, defender.
“Now when we come back here at the end of February we can feel the confidence to know that we played here and won. To do that is a bigger step than just to beat Fanshawe. To get the experience of winning on that floor is the big step.”

The Hawks play at home tonight against division rivals the Mohawk Mountaineers, who are unbeaten so far this season.