Hurricanes Top Wildcats In Three Games
VILLANOVA, Penn. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The University of Miami volleyball team (15-0 overall, 3-0 in BIG EAST Conference play) kept alive its nation-leading undefeated streak Saturday with a 3-0 win over Villanova (9-11, 0-3) at Nevin Fieldhouse.
The Hurricanes took the first two games 30-20 and 30-21, before stifling a determined effort by the Wildcats in the third game to win 30-28
UM currently holds the longest undefeated streak in the nation. Saturday, they extended it to 26 consecutive victories dating back to an October 11, 2001 win over Tulsa.
They are among just four teams in the nation without a loss on the season.
Sophomore outside hitter Valeria Tipiana (Lima, Peru/Cristo Rey Catholic HS) led Miami’s balanced attack with a match-high 19 kills. She also turned in an impressive .471 hitting percentage.
“Val had a great match offensively,” Miami coach Nicole Lantagne Welch said. “They couldn’t find a way to stop her and she was effective in front and behind the setter.”
Senior outside hitter Marcela Gamarra (Medellin, Colombia/Miami-Dade CC) led the defense with a match-high 15 digs, while sophomore outside hitter Biz Tyson (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny HS) followed with 14 digs.
Lantagne Welch was especially pleased with the play of Gamarra on defense, citing a number of difficult digs that the senior came up with.
Sophomore setter Mallorey James (Tucson, Ariz./Salpointe Catholic HS) quarterbacked the offense and was credited with 48 assists.
Leah Mathews and Erin Birunas led the Wildcats with 9 kills apiece.
Sunday, the Hurricanes will play Georgetown at 2 p.m. The Hoyas, whose lineup includes last year’s BIG EAST Rookie of the Year, Sara Albert, are traditionally one of the stronger teams in the BIG EAST Conference.
“We’re looking forward to playing one of the top teams in the conference,” Lantagne Welch said.
For more information on University of Miami athletics log on to its website www.hurricanesports.com, the official site for all Hurricane news, tickets, and apparel. For Hurricane ticket information call 1-800-GO CANES.
