Volleyball Ready for 'First Serve'
Sept. 6, 2001
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Coral Gables, Fla. – (www.hurricanesports.com) – The Miami volleyball teampracticed for two hours Thursday morning in the Knight Sports Complex in preparationfor their first home match on Friday at 2 p.m. against Long Island. The matchwill be the first for the University of Miami campus in almost 20 years as theHurricanes field a team for the first season since 1981.
After getting its first win at the Davidson Tournament in North Carolina lastweekend, Miami is ready to play in Coral Gables. The Hurricanes host Long Island,Wofford and UAB in the inaugural Hurricane Invitational September 7-8, 2001.
“I think they’re extremely excited to play in front of the home crowd,”said head volleyball coach Nicole Lantagne. “People will be cheering forthem instead of against them and I think it’s something they’ll really build offof on the court.”
“Volleyball is a huge momentum game. With the home crowd it really helpsyou grab the momentum and extend those scoring runs.”
Miami opens at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 7th against Long Island in the KnightSports Complex. Long Island (1-3) dropped their last match on September 4 to undefeatedSt. John’s. Long Island was paced by junior Katy Scheel (Columbus, NE) who finishedwith 24 assists and 10 digs for her second straight double-double.
Prior to the 6 p.m. match between Miami and Wofford, University of Miami President,Donna Shalala, Athletic Director Paul Dee and Head Volleyball Coach Nicole Lantagnewill participate in a historic “First Serve.” Former UM players from the 1972-1981seasons have also been invited to attend the event.
Wofford (5-0) is undefeated and 15-1 in games this season. In their last matchon September 5, Wofford swept UNC-Greensboro for their fifth-straight win. CurrieGossett finished the night with a match-high 12 kills and five blocks. SeniorCristy Carter added nine kills and seven digs, while Molly Bushong notched 31assists on the evening. The 5-0 start is the best in Wofford’s history as a DivisionI program.
Following the match, a post-game reception will take place outside the KnightSports Complex to officially enshrine volleyball memorabilia from the evening.Pastries and refreshments will be served.
Miami’s faces its final opponent, UAB (3-1), on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Blazersdefeated Middle Tennessee on September 4th, 3-1. Senior outside hitter ShellyGreene led the Blazers with 16 kills and 21 digs and freshman setter Jessica Liptakadded 43 assists. Sophomore middle blocker Karen Boyd had 12 kills and 13 digsand junior middle blocker/outside hitter Allison Magner contributed 10 kills,hit for .304 and had nine digs.
The Hurricane Invitational is open to the public and Miami fans are encouragedto bring a friend. Admission is free.
For ticket information for other Hurricane volleyball home matches, contact theUM Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-CANES.
