Miami Volleyball Drops 3-1 Decision at Virginia
Oct. 29, 2010
Charlottesville, Va. – The University of Miami volleyball team dropped the first of a two-match in two days road swing Friday night, falling to the University of Virginia, 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 14-25, 20-25) at Memorial Gymnasium in Charlottesville, Va.
Miami (16-7, 6-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) evened the match at one set apiece after dropping the first.
Junior middle blocker Ali Becker (Katy, Texas) was the spark behind the second set comeback for the `Canes. Becker supplied UM with three kills and three blocks (assisted) in the set, with the Hurricanes staking 10 assisted blocks altogether in the frame.
In the third set, Virginia (11-11, 5-7 ACC) bounced back behind the play of McKenzie Adams staking six of her 18 kills on the night during the frame for the Cavaliers. Teammate Emily Rottman added four kills and All-ACC performer Simone Asque provided three kills and an assisted block to help lead the Cavs to a 2-1 advantage in the match behind a 25-14 victory.
The fourth set was as competitive as ever in a frame that saw 12 ties and five lead changes.
UM junior outside hitter Christine Williamson (Tampa, Fla.) recorded a career set-best 1.000 hitting percentage with seven kills coming on seven swings. However, Virginia picked up six blocks (five assisted) and hit .371 in the set, thanks in part to Rottman’s .625 clip (5k-0e-8ta). The addition of a set-high six kills from Adams allowed the Cavs to even the season series between the two schools courtesy a 25-20 win to close-out the match.
Virginia was led on the night by the play of three performers in double-figures for kills, using a match-high 21 from Asque, also adding four assisted blocks. Also touching double-digits was Adams with a double-double effort of 18 kills, 12 digs and five blocks; in addition to Rottman’s double-double outing of 14 kills and 13 digs. Cavaliers’ setter Beth Wildermuth led all performers with a match-high 59 assists, and libero AJ Cushman brought in a match-high 27 digs.
Miami was led by junior outside hitter Lane Carico (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) and Williamson each collecting 11 kills on the night. Carico also pulled in 18 digs on defense, giving the two-time All-ACC performer her 18th double-double of the year – and eight consecutive. Setter Katie Gallagher (Winter Park, Fla.) setup a team-high 35 assists, and freshman libero Ryan Shaffer (San Jose, Calif.) collected 15 digs. Sophomore Lizzie Hale (Menlo Park, Calif.) added 10 digs defensively for the `Canes. Becker finished the night with five assisted blocks and seven kills.
The Canes conclude their Virginia road trip tomorrow at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg beginning at 6 p.m.
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