Miami Volleyball Drops Home Opener to LSU
CORAL GABLES. Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball team dropped a tough five-set match to LSU Friday.
The Canes jumped out to an early lead, taking the first two sets 25-23 and 25-23. But LSU battled back to take the next two, 23-25 and 20-25, to force a deciding fifth set.
Miami fought hard at home but fell short, dropping the final set 10-15. The loss drops Miami to 4-2 on the season and snaps an 18-match home winning streak. The Hurricanes last dropped a home match on Oct. 16, 2011, a four-set loss to Georgia Tech.
Despite the result, Miami had strong performances from some of its veteran leaders. Senior Alex Johnson, who started her 100th career match on Friday, led the Canes with 19 kills and tallied 10 digs to register her fourth double-double of the season.
Junior outside hitter Savanah Leaf also registered a double-double with 18 kills and 10 digs, while junior middle blocker Alexis Mourning added 10 kills and five blocks.
Miami’s attack, which tallied 65 kills compared to LSU’s 52, was paced by setter Blair Fuentez. The junior dished out 43 assists to go with 11 digs, a pair of service aces and a kill.
Emani Sims led the Canes with six blocks and added seven kills on the night. The Hurricanes defense also got a major contribution from senior Ryan Shaffer, whom led the Canes with 26 digs.
Misty Ma’a was also a factor for Miami, coming just one kill shy of a double-double. The sophomore outside hitter finished with nine kills and 14 digs.
The Canes and LSU are back in action Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in this weekend’s series finale.
Miami volleyball season tickets are available for $35. Canes fans can also purchase a combined season ticket package for volleyball and soccer for $50. Single-game volleyball tickets are just $5 for adults and $3 for youth (Ages 3-17). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CanesTix.com or call 305-284-2263.
For all the latest information on Miami Hurricanes volleyball, follow the official Twitter feed, @CanesVB, or “Like Us” on Facebook at facebook.com/MiamiVolleyball. The program is also on Instagram (CanesVB).
