Miami Volleyball Falls to No. 20 Santa Clara, 3-2
Sept. 6, 2003
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – The University of Miami Volleyball team fell to No. 20 Santa Clara, 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at the Wildcat Classic in Tucson, Ariz to record their second loss of the season.
The Hurricanes (5-2) outplayed Santa Clara (5-1) in nearly every statistical category but could not edge out Broncos in the end. Santa Clara took the first game, 30-27 to jump out early to an early lead. Miami led the second game 28-20 before falling 31-29 to the Broncos. The Hurricanes struck back in the third game, 30-26 and tied the match up in the fourth game, winning 30-22. Santa Clara captured the victory in the fifth game, edging out Miami, 15-13.
“This was a very hard fought match for us,” Head Coach Nicole Lantagne Welch said. “It was disappointing to lose because we had some chances to put it away and we just couldn’t do it. I think we just got a little bit tentative tonight.”
The Hurricanes’ loss was highlighted by the play of junior outside hitter Elizabeth Tyson, who turned in 22 kills on a .308 hitting percentage and collected 16 digs for 24 points.
“Elizabeth really had an outstanding match tonight,” Lantagne Welch said. “It was good to see her rebound from a disappointing match last night.”
Junior outside hitter Valeria Tipiana had 16 kills in the match, along with 16 digs for 19 points. Tipiana was named to the Wildcat Classic All-Tournament team for her efforts over the weekend.
The Hurricanes will return to action on Thursday, Sept. 11 when they host George Mason at the Orange and Green Challenge at the Knight Sports Complex at 7 p.m.
