Miami Volleyball Performs Well at Fiesta on Siesta Key
April 19, 2011
2011 Fiesta on Siesta Key Team Cup Standings 
SIESTA KEY, Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball team completed its spring slate on Saturday, April 16, taking part in the Third Annual Fiesta on Siesta Key Beach Volleyball Tournament in Siesta Key, Fla. The Hurricanes finished tied for second overall on the day.
Under the direction of 10th-year head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch, the UMiami volleyball team continues to support what is becoming an ever-growing trend of collegiate volleyball played on sand. Beach volleyball is vastly becoming a widely-revered sport around the country. A lot of collegiate teams are beginning to participate in beach-sanctioned events throughout the spring practice/schedule period, especially teams in Florida.
The Canes finished the day with 262 points and tied for second place with Webber International University, while ending the event just three points away from first place. Miami finished ahead of the University of Florida (251 points), while UCF finished in first with 265 total points.
The Hurricanes were led on the afternoon by three teams advancing to the Gold Division, including the combination of Lane Carico and Ryan Shaffer. The team’s leader in kills (Carico with 471) and digs (Shaffer with 539) was certainly one to watch going into the weekend, while the duo of Katie Gallagher and Ali Becker also advanced to the Gold Division.
Gallagher finished the 2010 campaign as the team leader in assists (1,211), while Becker ended the season as the team’s leader in blocks (96).
The other team advancing to the Gold Division was the trio of Christine Williamson, Lizzie Hale and Taylor Hollins.
For Gallagher and Becker, though not competing as teammates – this is the second time in as many years both student-athletes have advanced to the Gold Division of the Fiesta on Siesta Key, in addition to outside hitter Lane Carico who did it last season with Lici McGee.
The combination of setter Nrithya Sundararaman and Alexandria Johnson won out in the Silver Division, while the trio of Emani Sims, Julia Giampaolo and Mariel Schofield won the Copper Division.
The teams of three subbed in during the event.
On the day, the Canes also finished ahead of Division I schools from Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida in the final standings.
The Hurricanes end the spring season with wins against FIU, Florida State, UCF, North Florida, Miami Dade College and Nova Southeastern in court competition. The 2011 fall schedule is set to be released shortly, as well as the 2011 roster with the latest signings and up-to-date news.
For further information on the Fiesta on Siesta Key Beach Volleyball Tournament, please log on to www.fiestaonsiestakey.com.
For more information on the University of Miami volleyball team, please log on to HurricaneSports.com. Once there, you will find up-to-date news, stats and information regarding the Hurricanes volleyball program.
Fans can keep up-to-date with all UM Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/HurricaneSports. You can also become a fan of the Hurricanes on Facebook at Facebook.com/MiamiHurricanes.
