Volleyball Sweeps Stetson 3-0
Sept. 25, 2002
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The University of Miami volleyball team pushed its win streak to 23 matches (12-0 in 2002) with a three-game sweep, 30-24, 30-18, 32-30, over visiting Stetson (4-9) at the Knight Sports Complex Wednesday night.
Miami was led in the match by sophomore outside hitter Valeria Tipiana (Lima, Peru/Costa Rey Catholic HS), who had 14 kills (.522 hitting percentage). Freshman middle blocker Karla Johnson (Houston, Texas/Westfield HS) was also a force for the Hurricanes with a match-high .647 hitting percentage and a total of 11 kills. Marcela Gamarra (Medellin, Colombia/Miami-Dade CC) had 12 kills and 11 digs. Elizabeth Tyson (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny HS) also made a solid contribution with 10 kills and 11 digs. Returning to the court, Mallorey James (Tucson, Ariz./Salpointe Catholic HS) tallied a match high 35 digs.
Stetson’s Kira Smedly who registered a team-best 10 kills and 10 digs led the Hatters. Setter Tanner Kennedy had 28 assists.
Miami jumped out quick winning the first two games, the second of which was by 12 points (30-18). However Stetson made it close in game No. 3 forcing the Hurricanes to the brink before UM rallied back from eight points down trailing 24-16 to come back and win 32-30.
Miami begins competition in BIG EAST Conference play this weekend as it travels to Boston College and Providence on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. UM’s first home BIG EAST match comes on Oct. 11 against Rutgers. Last season as a Division I Independent, the first-year Hurricanes claimed victories over conference opponents Pittsburgh (3-1) and St. John’s (3-0).
For more information on University of Miami athletics log on to its newly designed website www.hurricanesports.com, the official site for all Hurricane news, tickets and apparel. For Hurricane ticket information call 1-800-GO CANES.
