No. 20 Miami Volleyball Pushes Past Wake Forest, 3-0

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Lane Carico supplied a match-high 19 kills while teammate Ali Becker added 10 in helping the No. 20 Miami Hurricanes sweep ACC opponent Wake Forest, 3-0 [25-18, 25-16, 25-23], Friday night inside the James L. Knight Sports Complex.

Miami (12-1, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) sprinted to wins in the opening two sets behind kills from Becker and Carico. Sophomore right side Alex Johnson assisted with five kills through the first two frames.

In the third set, Wake Forest (4-9, 1-3 ACC) jumped out to a 17-10 lead before a kill from Carico sparked a 9-0 Canes rally. Sophomore libero Ryan Shaffer served eight consecutive service points for the Hurricanes, including two aces, while redshirt senior setter Katie Gallagher and freshman middle blocker Emani Sims assisted with blocks during the run. Shaffer’s second service ace put the Canes out in front, 18-17, to complete the comeback.

The final point was collected on the strength of a Carico kill down the middle for the 19-17 UM advantage.

Demon Deacons’ senior outside hitter Kadija Fornah kept her team in it all night. One of her team-high 12 kills tied the set at 19-all before another Carico kill pushed Miami back in front.

After four more ties in the frame, redshirt senior outside hitter Christine Williamson placed one of her five kills in the third set off the Wake block attempt, putting UMiami out in front for good, 24-23. It was only fitting that Carico register the final kill of the match courtesy a block error charged to the Demon Deacons.

With the win, Miami extends its home court winning streak to nine matches, while Carico needs just four more kills to break the school record currently held by Karla Johnson (2002-05). She will have the chance to achieve the honor Sunday afternoon.

Wake Forest was led in the match by Fornah’s 12 kills, assisted by Andrea Beck with nine. Carlin Salmon had a match-high tying four blocks (three assisted) and libero Dani Thompson laid out for a match-high 22 digs.

Miami was paced by Carico’s 19 kills and 10 digs, giving her the only double-double of the night. For the Manhattan Beach, Calif. native, it was her eighth of the year as she continues to stretch the school record, now holding 68 throughout her illustrious career.

Becker added 10 kills and a match-high tying four blocks (two solo). Johnson placed eight kills and had 11 digs. Shaffer was the team-leader on defense with 12 digs, and it was Gallagher handing out 38 assists.

Miami will get back on the court Sunday when they take on ACC foe Duke inside the James L. Knight Sports Complex at 1:30 p.m. The Blue Devils were the last team to beat UM at home a season ago, and have won the last three meetings in the series.

The University of Miami is excited to announce a new season ticket package that will include two (2) adult and three (3) youth tickets to all home volleyball and soccer events in the 2011 season. The Family Plan provides a family of five with over 20 events for the incredible price of $50. Purchase a Volleyball and Soccer Family Plan by calling 1-800-GO-CANES or simply buy online by clicking here.

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.

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