Things started quickly with the women's Hawks soccer team against Cambrian Golden Shield in the Oct. 15 Ontario Collegiate Athletic Association crossover match.
They scored five goals in the first half, two of them within five minutes, resulting in an emphatic statement by defeating the Shield 6-2 at the Vaughan Grove Sports Park Stadium Field.
Third-year midfielder Micayla Santagudia scored the first goal against the Golden Shield’s keeper, Olivia Skinkle, in the eighth minute. Then, first-year wing Olivia Di Cesare, assisted by third-year forward Kaylese Callender, netted the second one in the 12th minute.
Humber kept the momentum up in the first half and struck again in the 19th minute as Santaguida passed it to Di Cesare to put them up 3-0 with her second of the day against the Shield.
The team was on a high, playing for the chance to make the playoffs. Fifth-year forward Chantel Spalla made it 4-0 for the Hawks.
The cap on this fantastic performance came with 20 seconds left in the first when Callender kicked in the Hawks’ fifth goal.
The Hawks communicated well on the field, producing smooth plays and strong assists.
“We definitely show that in the game, so I want that to continue throughout” the playoffs, Callender said.
The second half was quieter for Humber. Fourth-year midfielder Elisa Oliveira scored an unassisted goal, the Hawks' sixth and final goal, in the 51st minute.
“It was a 1v1 chance and I just wanted to take that shot,” Oliveira said. “I think today’s game and the score reflect the chemistry.”
The team is feeling good and ready to take on the Algonquin Wolves on Oct. 18 in the nation's capital.
“I feel it was a good game to lead the next game, it definitely set the pace for what we’re going to do next, and I think it just gave the team that extra confidence going into the next one,” Oliveira said.
The Hawks’ postseason begins Oct. 18 as they take on the Algonquin Wolves at the Algonquin soccer field in Ottawa in the OCAA Quarterfinal championship.
“I’m excited for what’s to come. It’s a good step up for the next game,” Callender said.
The Hawks are in the sixth spot in the top 10 on the OCAA rankings.
