UM Volleyball Has Successful Showing In Siesta Key
April 23, 2008
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball team wrapped up its spring exhibition season over the weekend at Florida Division I Collegiate Beach Tournament in Siesta Key, Fla. on Saturday, finishing just one point shy of capturing the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup at the two-on-two beach volleyball tournament.
In a field that included UM, South Florida, Florida Atlantic, Mississippi State, North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast and Webber International, the Hurricanes just missed winning the team title that eventually was captured by FAU.
The Hurricanes did however earn the Bronze Division title, with Angelica Ellis and Tatiana Alvarez knocking out three different teams from USF on their way to the championship, including the Bulls’ Nakia Williams and Rachel Matos in the title match.
“Angelica and Tatiana played really well together on Saturday,” junior outside hitter Ashley Woods said. “It was really nice to see the two of them find their rhythm and go on to win their division.”
Woods teamed with Cassie Loessberg and the pair finished as the runner-up in the Gold Division, beating USF, 21-8, and Webber before falling in the title match to Mississippi State’s tandem of Dorey Gray and Eva Kreigle. Woods and Loessberg posted the team’s best record of 7-1 in pool play prior to the championship round.
“It was great for our team to get out there and see how we matched up against some other teams from our area,” Woods said. “We have practiced on the beach before but this was a good opportunity for us to test our skills against live competition.”
Maria Andersson and Bridget Bomhack also competed in the Gold Division, beating FAU, 21-18, before falling to USF, 21-11. Katie Gallagher and Genny Mayhew won a match-up against teammates Ariell Cooke and Christine Williamson in the Silver Division before eventually falling to a team from UNF.
Teams earned points towards the Commissioner’s Cup in pool play, with the team scoring the most points in pool play winning the cup. After pool play was completed, the teams were then reseeded into three different divisions. The top two teams from each pool went into the Gold Division, the next two went into the Silver Division, and the final two went into the Bronze Division. They were seeded by record first and then by total points allowed.
“I am certainly pleased with the strides our team has made this spring,” head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch said. “This time of year is all about making improvements in both individual play and team performance, along with gaining valuable experience.”
Saturday’s tournament marked the conclusion of the UM volleyball team’s spring exhibition season. The team will return to practice August 8 to begin preparation for the 2008 fall season.
“This group has taken advantage of our opportunities this spring and has worked very hard, raising the bar on all levels. The 2008 season will be here before we all know it and we are most definitely headed in the right direction.”
