HUMBER MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER TO CCAA BRONZE MEDAL MATCH

CORNWALL, P.E.I. - The fourth-seeded Humber Hawks were clipped in their opening game at the CCAA Women's Soccer Championship in Cornwall, P.E.I.

On Thursday afternoon, Humber's game soared to what it is accustomed to. The Hawks maintained a high intensity throughout the game, defeating the host Holland Hurricanes of ACAA 3-0 to get back into position to challenge for a bronze medal.

The offensive effort was spread out as all three goals were scored by different players. After losing their opening game against the Concordia Thunder on Wednesday, recovery was a big factor in bouncing back, said rookie Hawks defender Alora Tia Macey Walcott, who was Humber's player of the game.

"We got the things we needed and the right amount of sleep."

Both teams had good chances early, but Humber keeper Katerina Conde and Hurricanes keeper Amanda Wheatley were up to the task, turning aside every shot they faced.

Humber broke through in the 40th minute as Ashley Orsorio controlled the ball just inside the 18-yard box and lobbed it over Wheatley's head to give her team a 1-0 lead going into halftime.  Orsorio's goal was important for the Hawks, said coach Vince Pileggi. "We knew Holland College was a very good team. We knew that they were going to play us tough and minimize our opportunities."

"We knew that as long as we continued to play, we could break them down and create our chances, and we were fortunate to get that goal when we did."

The Hawks continued to convert in the second half. Brittany Sczerbakow scored her second of the tournament, beating Wheatley to her right in close in the 64th minute to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead.

Hawks rookie midfielder Jayde Wikland-Roach then put the game out of reach with a goal in the 85th minute.

Conde, in her fourth year with the Hawks, was sharp all day, turning aside every Hurricane opportunity to record a clean sheet.

Humber will play again at 11. a.m. (ET) Friday against NAIT of ACAC, with a spot in Saturday's bronze-medal game at stake. NAIT is a two-time CCAA national silver medalist.

Despite the extra game, Wednesday's victory gives Humber more confidence going forward as they go for the bronze, Pileggi said. 

"When you finally get a win under your belt at nationals, it's a good feeling. It's a bit easier to go through your day, the bumps and bruises don't seem as tough."

"We're going to enjoy the victory today, get lots of rest and fluids, and get back at it tomorrow." 

Walcott was more direct in her approach to Friday's game.

"We just have to maintain our high intensity."

Championship Website: www.ccaa.ca/womenssoccer2012

Source: Holland College with files from OCAA Communications