@CanesVB Set for ACC Home Opener
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Following a 4-0 start in conference play, the University of Miami volleyball team will host its first conference home matches of the 2013 season this weekend.
The Canes will host Pitt at 7 p.m. Friday and Maryland at 1 p.m. on Sunday in Miami’s first ACC matches at the James L. Knight Sports Complex this year.
Miami enters the weekend with several student-athletes that rank among the best in the ACC in multiple statistical categories.
Senior defensive specialist Ryan Shaffer sits second in the conference with 4.73 digs per set. Junior Savanah Leaf is third in the ACC with 3.93 kills per set and ranks eighth in the league with 0.35 aces per set. Junior setter Blair Fuentez ranks fourth with 10.38 assists per set, while junior middle blocker Emani Sims is 10th with 1.13 blocks per set.
Alexis Mourning, who set a school record with 17 blocks against Boston College on Sept. 28, has been one of the most efficient hitters in the conference. The junior middle blocker ranks fourth in the ACC with a .336 hitting percentage.
Senior Alex Johnson and sophomore Misty Ma’a have also been key contributors for the Canes this season, combining for nine double-doubles on the year. Johnson’s six double-doubles rank second on the team behind Leaf’s eight, while Ma’a has collected three double-doubles heading into this weekend’s matches.
Beyond the action on the court this weekend, Miami will honor Sims at the intermission on Friday night with the unveiling of a commemorative banner in recognition for her selection as a member of the 2012 AVCA All-America Third Team.
Sunday afternoon, the Hurricanes will play their annual “Dig Pink” match to help find a cure for breast cancer. Miami will wear pink to raise awareness and Dig Pink t-shirts will be available for purchase with proceeds going towards breast cancer research. Donations towards breast cancer research can also be made in person on Sunday or online by clicking here.
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/UMVolleyball. The program is also on Instagram (CanesVB).
