KYLE HALL
SPORTS REPORTER
Tournament MVP, Humber’s Terrel Bramwell, smashes the ball in a quarterfinal win over Algonquin College at last weekend’s provincial championships.
ANCASTER – It was utter domination by the Humber men’s volleyball team as they steam-rolled to the provincial championship without losing a set and punched a ticket to next week’s national playoffs in Alberta.
“These guys are the epitome of a team,” said coach Wayne Wilkins. “They’re right up there with the top teams I’ve ever coached.”
The Hawks (14-2) defeated Seneca (16-2) in the final to win the OCAA title for the fourth time.
Coincidentally, that last time the men’s team won gold came in a victory over Seneca in 2005.
The Hawks came out soaring in the first set of the final, overwhelming Seneca 25-15.
The Sting kept the next two sets close, feeding off the relentless scoring of tournament all-star Brian Archibald, but the Hawks were just too big, too talented and too well coached, winning 25-22, 25-23.
Archibald had 17 points for Seneca, but was outdone by Humber’s tournament MVP, Terrel Bramwell, who had 20 points, including 17 kills.
“We played a great game, but Humber played an incredible game,” said Archibald, who praised Bramwell. “I’ve never seen a guy jump that high or hit that effective before in my life. He’s unreal.”
In a pre-tournament ceremony, Bramwell was named OCAA rookie of the year and an all-Canadian.
“All the regular season was a test, and this was the final exam,” said Bramwell. “It feels great because we worked so hard to get to this point.”
The Hawks now migrate to Edmonton for the national championships beginning next Thursday.
“Right now I’m not looking for nationals,” fourth-year Hawks veteran Paul Kemboi said after Saturday’s gold medal victory. “I’m looking for the party tonight.”
In the opening round last Thursday, Humber defeated Algonquin (25-23, 25-9, 25-22), and then had little trouble disposing of Durham College in the semifinal (25-21, 25-11, 28-26).
The tournament was hosted by Redeemer University College, with fans, family and friends packing the gymnasium for the final.
What a great article! Steamrolled! Punch a ticket! Love it.
Susan