Miami Sweeps Virginia
CHARLOTTESVILLE,Va. – In its first road conference match of the season,the University of Miami volleyball team pushed past Virginia, 3-0, on Friday atMemorial Gymnasium. The Canes have now swept the last three meeting against theCavaliers.
UM won by the set scores of 25-22, 25-19 and 27-25to improve to 10-2 and 2-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, while UVA droppedto 5-7 and 0-2 this season.
“Every win is important in the ACC race and gettingthose on the road are challenging,” head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch said. “Tonightwas a team effort and I felt like we blocked very well. We also had playerscome in and make a difference for us – a theme for us this season -particularly Caiti [Donahoe], Blair [Fuentez] and Savanah [Leaf]. They provideda great spark to help us to victory.”
Freshman setter Caitilin Donahoe put up six kills onseven attempts (.857 hitting percentage) to go with 27 assists and seven digsin her first career start. Leading the Canes in kills was junior outside hitterTaylor Hollins, who posted her 11th double-double in 12 matches with12 kills and 10 digs on the night. Classmate Savanah Leaf had eight kills andsix digs in her first match back after competing internationally for her homecountry, Great Britain.
Miami picked up 16 more digs than UVA (55-39) tohold the hosts to a .130 hitting percentage, with junior libero Ryan Shafferregistering a match-high 15 digs. On the front line, sophomore middle blockersEmani Sims and Alexis Mourning combined for 12 total blocks.
After a late rally to pull away in the first set anda balanced attack in the second, Miami held off a furious Virginia rally tospoil one set point and tie the score at 25 in the third. The Cavaliers thencommitted an attack error and Hollins knocked in a kill on a blocking error togive UM the win.
Natalie Bausback picked up 12 digs to lead theCavaliers.
Miami will look to jump to 3-0 in the ACC in itsnext match on Sunday at Virginia Tech at 1 p.m. inside Cassell Coliseun. TheHokies fell to Florida State on Friday in five sets.
The UMTicket 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.
For all the latest information on MiamiHurricanes volleyball, follow the official Twitter feed, @CanesVB, or “Like Us”on Facebook at facebook.com/MiamiHurricanes.
