Balanced Play Highlights Volleyball Scrimmage
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – In the first look at the 2012University of Miami volleyball team, six players recorded at least 10 kills tohighlight the five-set Green and Orange Scrimmage on Saturday at the KnightSports Complex. All 15 players on the roster saw extended playing time, with alsoseveral alums taking part in the match.
“Havinga scrimmage is extremely important going into the season because everyone getsto know the routine and what to expect,” said 12th-year head coachNicole Lantagne Welch. “It was a really great chance for some of the younger playersto get rid of some butterflies and treat this as a dress rehearsal.”
Junior outsidehitter Taylor Hollins led all players with 21 kills on the day to go with 13digs. Classmate Alex Johnson, a Preseason All-ACC selection, put up adouble-double with 17 kills and 20 digs, while fellow honoree and sophomoreEmani Sims racked up 16 kills in the middle.
The lonesenior on the roster Nrithya Sundararaman saw action for both teams with 53 combinedassists recorded, with freshman Caitilin Donahoe registering 34 of her own.Junior libero Ryan Shaffer paced the defense with 22 digs in the back row.
“We sawa lot of great things out there today as well as some things we want to work onand clean up,” Lantagne Welch continued. “We definitely had some good attackingout of our middles, which was something we were trying to stress and have beenworking on. We passed well for the day and the blocking did a nice job as well.”
AlumsChristine Williamson and Ariell Cooke also showed their skills and experience witha combined 16 kills.
After aday off Sunday, the Canes will return to practice on Monday in preparation forthe Hurricane Invitational. The event will take place from Aug. 24-25 at theKnight Complex with UM opening its season against Wofford on Friday at 12:30p.m.
Theticket office is pleased to offer season tickets for both volleyball and soccerfor just $50. Season tickets to the home volleyball schedule at the KnightComplex can be purchased for $35, with single match tickets available for aslow as $3. Call 1-800-GO-CANES to order your tickets today.
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