Volleyball Sweeps Rutgers 3-0
Oct. 11, 2002
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The Miami Hurricanes volleyball team (16-1 overall, 4-1 in BIG EAST Conference play, rebounded from their first loss of the season to tackle a tough Rutgers squad (11-7, 0-3) 3-0 Friday at the Knight Sports Complex.
The Hurricanes defeated Rutgers 30-27, 30-26, 30-26.
The Hurricanes had been enjoying a nation-leading win streak of 26 matches until last Sunday when that lost to upstart Georgetown in Washington, D.C.
Although they entered the match 0-2, the Scarlet Knights are among the stronger teams in the BIG EAST. They were swept in three by conference powerhouse Notre Dame and were upset by Syracuse in five games.
“Rutgers is an excellent opponent, they’ve done well in the conference, and it was refreshing to see us take this challenge and step it up and play very well at home,” coach Nicole Lantagne Welch said.
Sophomore outside hitter Valeria Tipiana (Lima, Peru/Cristo Rey Catholic HS) and freshman middle blocker Karla Johnson led the Hurricanes in most offensive categories. Johnson sustained her place among the conference’s most efficient attackers, generating a .360 hitting percentage and 12 kills. She also had five total blocks. Tipiana followed with 11 kills and a .391 hitting percentage and led the Hurricanes on defense with 18 digs.
Sophomore setter Mallorey James (Tucson, Ariz./Salpointe Catholic HS) had a 37 assists.
Rutgers’ lineup features one of the conference’s top setters in Pualani Tuyay as well as one of its most dangerous outside hitters, Shayla Bush.
Bush led the Scarlet Knights with a match high 18 kills, but the Hurricanes were able to limit her hitting percentage to .293. Bush also had a match high 19 digs.
“Shayla is an all-conference performer,” coach Lantagne Welch said. “She’s very athletic and she moves the ball around well. At least we were able to contain her enough to win the match. She’s one of those players who will always get her kills.”
Sunday, the Hurricanes will host Seton Hall at 2 p.m. in the Knight Sports Complex.
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.
