Hurricanes Host Virginia Tech in ACC Rematch

Oct. 23, 2004

Coral Gables, Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball team will try to avenge an early season loss when they host Virginia Tech in an ACC rematch at the Knight Sports Complex Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

The Hokies defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 on September 26 at Cassell Coliseum but are an even 4-4 since they faced Miami. The Hurricanes are 6-2 since their trip to Blacksburg.

The last time that the former BIG EAST rivals faced off, senior outside hitter Valeria Tipiana posted her first double-double of the season by connecting on 26 kills and tallying 10 digs. Redshirt freshman Ciara Michel posted a career-high 11 block assists and a team-high .412 attacking percentage. Sophomore setter Jill Robinson registered a career-high 18 digs while junior outside hitter/middle blocker Karla Johnson hit a career-high four service aces.

The Hurricanes improved their record to 11-6 overall and 6-3 in the ACC when they defeated Florida State in five games Wednesday night. The Hokies fell to 11-10 overall and 5-4 in ACC action when they lost to Florida State in three games two days later.

Miami continues to be led by Tipiana, who is hitting 4.84 kills per game and 2.28 digs per game. Robinson runs the show offensively by dishing out 13.45 assists per game while senior libero Jamie Grass leads defensively with 282 total digs. Michel has posted a team-best 93 total blocks.

The Hokies, who are fifth behind Miami in this week’s ACC standings, finished out last week going 2-1 with their only loss coming at the hands of Duke. Annie Spicer tallied 51 total kills in three matches while Katie Esbrook posted a team-high five solo blocks and seven block assists.

Amanda Cloyd leads Virginia Tech defensively with 51 digs in three matches and 312 on the season. Melissa Markowski has dished out 149 assists in three matches for a 13.55 assists per game average.

For the latest in Hurricanes Volleyball visit hurricanesports.com