Canes Volleyball Receives Votes in Preseason Poll

Aug. 16, 2011

Lexington, Ky. – The University of Miami volleyball team received votes in the AVCA preseason poll released this week, marking the first time since 2003 the school has received votes in the association’s preseason poll.

Under the direction of head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch, the Canes finished last year with a record of 23-9, marking the program’s second 20-win season in the last three years. Miami returns five starters from last year’s team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament in the Bloomington [Ind.] Regional. The starting libero, Ryan Shaffer, is also back for the Canes after setting a school record for digs by a freshman in a single-season. Miami also appeared in the 2009 NCAA Tournament in the Gainesville [Fla.] Regional, marking the first time in school history UMiami has been in back-to-back NCAA Tournaments.

A total of 11 letterwinners return for the 2011 slate, including the school’s first AVCA Third Team All-American in Lane Carico.

The Canes will open their 2011 season on Friday, August 26 versus Jacksonville State as part of the Tiger Classic hosted by LSU in Baton Rouge, La. They will continue the weekend against Louisiana-Lafayette and homestanding LSU a day later.

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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