Hurricanes Volleyball Set to Host UNC and NC State
Oct. 22, 2009
Complete Match Notes in PDF Format 
Coral Gables, Fla. – The University of Miami (12-7, 5-4 ACC) returns home for the first time since Oct. 4 this weekend when playing host to the University of North Carolina (Oct. 23) and NC State (Oct. 25) at the James L. Knight Sports Complex in Coral Gables, Fla. The Hurricanes just completed a four-match road stretch where they posted a record of 3-1.
Miami comes into Friday’s match facing a very strong UNC squad that holds a 10-9 record overall, but a 6-2 mark in ACC play. UM and UNC split last year’s series with each other as the home team prevailed each time. The match in Chapel Hill turned out to be an important one for both teams, especially for the `Canes, as it was an NCAA Tournament statement match for both teams.
NC State (7-16, 0-8 ACC) may not hold the best record in the league, but in no way are the Hurricanes taking the Wolfpack lightly. The `Canes, led by ninth-year head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch, are well aware that anyone can upset anyone on any given day/night in the ACC. NC State is an athletic team led by the efforts of five players at or above the 100-kill mark on the year.
Miami is led by sophomore outside hitter Lane Carico with an ACC-best 323 kills (4.40 kps) as she is hitting a .262 clip on the campaign. Carico has registered 15-or more kills in nine straight contests entering the UNC match. Senior libero Cassie Loessberg comes into the weekend ranked atop the league in digs (377 / 5.24 dps) as she has anchored the UM defense.
Freshman Lizzie Hale played big last weekend for Miami, pulling in season highs in kills (3) and digs (18) against Boston College. Additionally, strong play continued from Christine Williamson as she picked up 12 kills against BC, and two blocks against Maryland. Ariell Cooke was equally important against the Eagles of Boston College, putting down six blocks on the night.
Miami is also using this weekend’s UNC match as its Dig Pink match in the fight against breast cancer. The Hurricanes have developed a website where fans and other interested parties can donate funds via credit card, money order or simply by mailing a personal/certified check. The website was created in conjunction with the Side-Out Foundation in the fight against breast cancer, and also gives UM fans and friends the opportunity to see just how much money was raised from the University of Miami. To donate money or to find out more information on the Side-Out Foundation and the Dig Pink campaign, please click here.
For more information on the University of Miami Volleyball team, please log on to www.hurricanesports.com. Once there, you will find up-to-date news, stats and information regarding the Hurricanes Volleyball program.
Quick Hits on North Carolina
The University of North Carolina enters the weekend holding a 10-9 overall and 6-2 in league play in the midst of the conference season. Carolina defeated then ACC leader Duke last Friday and Wake Forest two days later, both with match scores of 3-1. Carolina ranks first in the ACC in digs per set, led by sophomore libero Kaylie Gibson’s 5.16 digs per set in eight conference games. The Tar Heels are 2-6 on the road this season.
Series Against North Carolina
Miami leads this series by the slimmest of margins, 8-7, after the two teams split a pair of matches last season, with the home team winning each time. UNC had won three in a row until Miami collected the final match of the 2007 season, and the first of the `09 campaign. Ultimately, UM has won two of the last three matches in the series.
Quick Hits on NC State
NC State (7-16, 0-8 ACC) returns to the road after hosting Wake Forest and Duke at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh a week ago. The Wolfpack boasts five players with triple-digit kill totals, including Kelly Wood (170), Keri DeMar (149), Isis Gardner (139), Lisa Kretchman (125) and Alex Smith (103). Smith also has 526 set assists, while Kelly Burns has lifted 187. Sarah Griggs and Taylor Pritchard have both landed 16 service aces, while Lisa Kretchman’s 63 total blocks leads the roster. Lindsay Benac owns 339 digs.
Series Against NC State
The Hurricanes have dominated this series with a commanding 10-0 all-time series lead against the Wolfpack. Miami has captured 3-0 scores in each of the last three matches, and four of the last five overall.
ACC Digs Pink Together
ACC volleyball teams are doing their part this weekend to fight breast cancer. Four ACC teams-Florida State, Miami, Clemson, and Georgia Tech-will host events on Friday and Saturday to raise funds for both breast cancer awareness and research.
On Friday, October 23, Florida State will host a Paint It Pink match when the Seminoles take on NC State in Tully Gymnasium at 7 p.m. Also on Friday, Miami will host North Carolina at the Knight Sports Complex at 7 p.m., in promotion of Dig Pink.
Clemson will welcome Wake Forest to Jervey Gymnasium for its Dig Pink match at 6 p.m., on Saturday. Finally, another Dig Pink match will take place at O’Keefe Gymnasium on Saturday, October 24 when Georgia Tech hosts Duke at 7 p.m.
Carico Makes Another ACC First
Sophomore outside hitter Lane Carico’s 25 kills against Boston College were the fourth-best mark in the ACC this season, the best output for a four-set match. She has now registered 15-or more kills in nine consecutive matches, and has 15 total matches with double-digit kills on the campaign.
Playing the Numbers with UM
The number 8–Consecutive double-doubles for sophomore Lane Carico before her streak was snapped in Miami’s 3-0 win over Maryland (Oct. 18). Carico’s streak was the longest active streak in the ACC at that time.
On These Dates in History
The dates of Oct. 23 and Oct. 25 throughout time haven’t favored the Hurricanes as they hold just a 5-6 overall mark. In matches played on Oct. 23, UM is 1-2, while sporting an even 4-4 mark in Oct. 25 matches. The last match played on either date occurred last season when UM fell, 3-1, in a crucial ACC road match at Virginia Tech.
