Hurricanes Unbeaten In Wichita State Tournament
Aug. 30, 2002
WICHITA, Kan. (www.hurricanesports.com) – – The University of Miami women’s volleyball remained undefeated at the Wichita State Tournament with victories over both Georgia and New Mexico on Friday, Aug. 30 in Wichita, Kan.
Senior Marcela Gamarra (Medellin, Colombia/ Miami-Dade CC) led the Hurricanes in the morning triumph over New Mexico, tying the Lobos’ Anna Reines for the game-high with 21 kills.
Miami dropped the first game, but took the ensuing three with strong contributions from sophomore setter Mallorey James (Tucson, Ariz./Salpointe HS), who had 51 assists; Elizabeth Tyson (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny HS), 17 kills; and Valeria Tipiana (Lima, Peru/Cristo Rey HS), 13 kills. Freshman Karla Johnson led the Hurricanes in blocks with four block assists.
In the evening win over Georgia, Tipiana shone, raining 22 kills down on the Bulldogs. Johnson followed with 13 kills and Gamarra had nine. Along with sophomore outside hitter Jamie Grass, who had eight digs, Gamarra also frustrated the Bulldogs with nine kills.
Miami took the first game 30-18, but only narrowly escaped the second 30-28. Georgia finally won the third, but Miami clamped down in the fourth, winning 30-26. Tipiana and freshman middle blocker Robin Lewullis (Allentown, Penn./Central Catholic HS) combined on the game-sealing block.
Saturday, the Hurricanes will face Stephen F. Austin at 2:30 p.m. and then host team Wichita State at 7:30 p.m.
