Hurricane Volleyball Season Begins at the Alabama Tournament

Aug. 24, 2006

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com)- This weekend the University of Miami women’s volleyball team starts its season on the road playing in the Academy Sports Invitational in Tuscaloosa, Ala. August 25-26.

The Hurricanes will face three NCAA Tournament teams beginning Friday against host Alabama at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Saturday they face Kansas at 12 p.m. and Alabama A&M at 4:30 p.m.

Ten letter winners, including five starters and the libero return from last year’s team. The Hurricanes are led by seniors Francheska Savage and Jill Robinson who were chosen as preseason All-ACC picks as voted on by the conference’s coaches. Last season Robinson surpassed the 3,000 career assist mark, the first player in UM history to do so.

Miami ended its 2005 season with a 16-14 overall record and placing sixth in the ACC with an 11-11 record. The Hurricanes ranked third in assists and service aces and fourth in both kills and blocks among ACC teams. Notable conference leaders representing the Hurricanes last season were junior middle blocker Ciara Michel who finished third with 23 solo blocks and Robinson who was fourth in assists averaging 12.78 per game.

Miami continues its season on the road September 1-2 at the MSU Invitational in East Lansing, Mich. Along with UM, the tournament will feature Michigan State, Eastern Michigan and Villanova. The team returns to the Knight Center Friday, September 8 for the annual Alumni match at 7 p.m.

The start of ACC play begins September 19 versus Florida State after the Hurricanes host the Hurricane Invitational Sept. 15-16. In addition to Miami, the Hurricane Invitational will feature Florida A&M, Jacksonville and Loyola Marymount.

Fans can follow each Hurricanes volleyball match throughout this weekend online by clicking HERE