UM Volleyball Drops Tough 3-2 Decision to Duke
Oct. 22, 2010
Coral Gables, Fla. – Lane Carico tallied a match-high tying 21 kills, but it was not enough as the University of Miami volleyball team dropped a 3-2 decision (30-32, 25-11, 18-25, 25-22, 9-15) to Duke University on Friday evening at the James L. Knight Sports Complex.
Miami (15-6, 5-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) used three players in double-figures for kills in the match, but Duke (16-3, 8-1 ACC) placed five players in double-figures in the kills category.
The Blue Devils took the opening set, 32-30, behind eight kills from Becci Burling and five from Sophia Dunworth. The `Canes served for set-point three times in the late stages of the opener behind the strength of six kills from Carico and five from junior outside hitter Christine Williamson. In the end, it was kills from Burling and Christiana Gray that sealed the win for the visiting Blue Devils.
UM took the second set in convincing fashion, 25-11, as Carico and freshman outside hitter Alexandria Johnson both tallied two service aces in the win.
UM tied the match at two sets apiece in the fourth frame, 25-22, forcing the fifth and deciding set.
The Blue Devils took control right from the start in the final set, using four kills from Dunworth and two timely kills from Amanda Robertson. Miami battled back to cut into the Blue Devils’ lead before falling in the end, 15-9.
The Blue Devils were led on the night by Burling with a match-high tying 21 kills, nine digs and four blocks (three assisted). Robertson registered a double-double with 13 kills and 11 digs, while teammates Gray (12), Dunworth (12) and Claire Smalzer (11) each staked double-digit kills. Setter Kellie Catanach setup a match-high 59 assists, and freshman libero Ali McCurdy tallied a match-high 34 digs.
Miami was led by Carico’s 21 kills, 15 digs and three service aces. Williamson added 17 kills and two digs. Johnson hit at a team-high .455 clip, finishing the night with 11 kills on 22 swings – adding 18 digs for her third double-double of the year. Setter Katie Gallagher amassed 39 assists, and sophomore Nrithya Sundararaman had 12 assists.
Freshman libero Ryan Shaffer recorded a season-high 32 digs defensively.
Miami gets back to the court on Sun., Oct. 24, playing host to Wake Forest at 1:30 p.m.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and the University of Miami is also continuing its drive to support breast cancer awareness through the “Side-Out Foundation” before the `Canes take part in their “Dig Pink” match against Wake Forest. Prior to and during the match, the Hurricanes will wear pink warm-up T-shirts, as well as pink ribbons and other apparel during their match against the Demon Deacons.
For more information on the University of Miami volleyball team, please log on to www.hurricanesports.com. Once there, you will find up-to-date news, stats and information regarding the Hurricanes volleyball program.
You can also keep up-to-date with all UM Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/HurricaneSports.
