The Humber Hawks women’s basketball team faced off against the York University Lions in a hard-fought contest Wednesday, ultimately falling 72-60.
The loss puts the Hawks at 1-2 for the preseason season, but despite the setback, players and coaches see signs of growth and remain optimistic about what lies ahead.
Humber head coach Ceejay Nofuente emphasized the team’s steady improvement since their first game, saying the squad has made significant strides over the past few weeks.
"I think they've been great," Nofuente said. "Honestly, we’ve been improving since our first game. If you compare our Waterloo exhibition game to now, there’s a huge improvement."
Nofuente is confident the team is on the right track, especially as they build chemistry and find their identity on the court. The game against York, while ending in a loss, showcased moments of strong teamwork and resilience.
"The girls are really just coming together, figuring things out—what’s working on and off the court," Nofuente said. "It’s a process, but we’re moving in the right direction."
One of the primary goals for the Hawks this season is to establish a strong defensive identity. Nofuente has repeatedly stressed the importance of being a tough, defensively-minded team that opponents will struggle to break down.
"Our identity, defensively, is showing that we’re there and that we’re not backing down," Nofuente said. "That’s going to be our strength moving forward, and the girls are embracing that challenge."
Kalani Thomas, a key player for the Hawks, echoed her coach’s sentiments and expressed her excitement about the team’s progress, even after a tough loss.
"I feel like we’re getting stronger with each game," Thomas said. "We have a lot of talent on this team, and if we stay focused, we’re going to surprise a lot of people."
Thomas has been one of the team’s standout performers early in the season and she said she sees room for more improvement both individually and collectively.
"We’re not where we want to be just yet," Thomas said. "But the drive and heart we’ve been showing are going to carry us far this season."
Reflecting on the loss to York, Thomas acknowledged the Hawks still have areas to work on, but emphasized they are committed to learning from their mistakes and bouncing back stronger in upcoming games.
"We’re just going to keep pushing forward," Thomas said. "Every game is a chance to get better, and I know this team has what it takes to compete at a high level."
Looking ahead, the Hawks are focused on continuing to refine their defensive identity, build team chemistry, and maintain a strong work ethic as they tackle the challenges of the season. With Nofuente’s leadership and players like Thomas stepping up, the team is confident that better results are on the horizon.
As the Hawks move forward, their ability to learn and adapt will be key to achieving their goals and turning narrow losses into victories.
