Hurricanes Top NC State, 3-1
Oct. 7, 2005
<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>RALEIGH, N.C. – After dropping a close first game, the University of Miami volleyball team won three-consecutive games to claim a 3-1 (30-33, 30-28, 30-27, 30-15) victory over host NC State in Atlantic Coast Conference action Friday evening at the Reynolds Coliseum. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
With the win the Hurricanes, who are now 3-1 on the road, improve to 8-5 overall and 3-2 in ACC play while the Wolfpack fall to 6-8 overall and 0-6 in the ACC.
Miami came into Reynolds Coliseum ready to face a voracious NC State squad that was looking to claim its first ACC victory. The Wolfpack won the first game 33-30 but could not hold down the invigorated Hurricanes as they reeled off three-straight wins to take the 3-1 match win.
With an emphasis on finishing strong, the Hurricanes put an exclamation point on their match victory by winning the fourth game by a 30-15 margin. Their 15-point lead was due, in part, to their 14 kills and .321 hitting percentage. But a stifling Miami defense held the Wolfpack to only 10 kills and a .097 hitting percentage.
Defensively, Miami junior Ann Gallo tallied a personal-best 21 digs to lead all players.
Leading the way offensively for Miami was senior Karla Johnson and redshirt-junior Francheska Savage. Johnson knocked down 15 kills along with 12 digs, six total blocks (1BS, 5BA) and a match-high four service aces. Savage registered 14 kills, two service aces and five total blocks (2BS, 3BA).
Redshirt-sophomore Ciara Michel also contributed 11 kills and four block assists while junior Jill Robinson dished out a match-high 52 assists.
Stephanie Eddins led the Wolfpack with a career-high 21 kills and a.357 hitting percentage.
The Hurricanes return to action Saturday when they square off against North Carolina at 3:00 p.m.
