The Humber Hawks women’s indoor soccer team captured their 12th OCAA championship with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Centennial Colts at the Ontario Soccer Centre on March 7.
The Hawks secured the gold medal after falling short in the outdoor soccer finals last season, making this victory even more significant for the squad.
Humber advanced to the final after a hard-fought 1-0 win against the Conestoga Condors in the semi-finals.
The first half was a defensive battle, with Conestoga dominating possession and generating multiple shots on target.
Humber’s defence remained composed despite limited chances, preventing Conestoga from capitalizing.
The second half saw Humber take control, increasing their possession and pressing forward.
Their persistence paid off when Kaylese Callender scored the game’s only goal, delivering a decisive strike that secured Humber’s spot in the championship match.
Goalkeeper Angela Volpe was instrumental in the victory, finishing the match with eight saves, including three crucial stops on clear scoring chances for Conestoga.
They advanced to the championship match with the win, facing off against the Centennial Colts.
The championship match against Centennial was an intense battle from start to finish.
Humber controlled possession early and dominated much of the first half.
In the 11th minute, rookie forward Callender opened the scoring with an impressive solo effort, beating two defenders before firing a left-footed strike off the post and into the net.
The Hawks extended the lead early in the second half when Chantel Spalla used her strength to shield a defender and turn for a quick left-footed shot to make it 2-0.
Kaitlynn Russell added a third goal in the 36th minute, smashing home a strike from a pinpoint pass by Cassy Ettore.
Despite Humber’s dominance, Centennial made a late push.
The Colts found the net twice in the dying minutes, with Serena McDonald scoring and an own goal by Humber’s Emily Robitaille bringing them within one.
However, the Hawks held firm to secure the win and reclaim their place at the OCAA indoor soccer competition.
Rookie forward Callender, who played a key role in Humber’s attack, was ecstatic about winning the championship in her first season.
“It feels amazing, since it's also my first year playing with Humber,” Callender said. “We didn't win the outdoor season, so it definitely feels like we avenged ourselves.”
Callender also expressed gratitude toward the team’s graduating seniors.
“Thank you so much for allowing me to have this opportunity,” she said. “I couldn't do it without them.”
Goalkeeper Volpe, who made crucial saves in both the semi-final and final, credited the team’s perseverance.
“We've been through a lot, especially with the outdoor, so getting this gold in the indoor just means a lot,” she said.
Head coach Jose Caro gave recognition to the team’s resilience and execution.
“The girls realized that in order for them to compete, they have to have three things: effort, intensity, and communication,” Caro said. “At the end of the day, they had the heart. They all stepped up today.”
Caro highlighted the significance of the victory for Humber’s future.
“We have a new roster of players coming in next year, so it’s going to be a learning curve,” he said. “But for the returning players, this gives them momentum and belief that we can achieve anything as long as we work hard.”
