Miami Volleyball Blanks West Virginia, 3-0
Oct. 31, 2003
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – Sophomore middle blocker Karla Johnson (Houston, Texas) tallied seven total blocks to lead the Hurricanes to a 3-0 (30-23, 30-17, 30-24) over BIG EAST opponent West Virginia on Friday night at the Knight Sports Complex.
The Hurricanes (19-6, 7-1 BIG EAST) held WVU (16-7, 2-6 BIG EAST) to a .104 hitting percentage and collected 12 total team blocks, overpowering the Mountaineers to earn their eight consecutive home match against BIG EAST opponents and remain undefeated all-time in Coral Gables against conference rivals.
UM jumped out to an early lead in the first game and never held back, taking WVU 30-23. Miami would continue to roll in the second game, out hitting West Virginia .333 to -.022 to win the second frame, 30-17. The Hurricanes would seal the victory downing WVU 30-24 in the third set.
“I thought we played a very well tonight.” Head Coach Nicole Lantagne Welch said. “We were a wall at the net. We did a great job blocking. Karla led the way with seven blocks. Elizabeth Tyson (Jacksonville, Fla.) was on fire attacking and Jamie Grass (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) came up with 20 digs. Defensively, digging and blocking at the net, we did a great job and it was great to get a three-game sweep at home.”
Johnson turned in eight kills to go along with her seven blocks, while Tyson lead all players with a match-high 13 kills and a .385 hitting percentage while adding nine digs. Freshman setter Jill Robinson (Merced, Calif.) led UM with 39 assists and senior outside hitter Leyre Santaella Sante (San Juan, Puerto Rico) had 12 kills and tied a career-best with nine digs in the Hurricanes’ win.
Miami will return to the court on Sunday, Nov. 2, hosting BIG EAST leader Pittsburgh at 2 p.m.
