@CanesVB Defeats Maryland in Dig Pink Match
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball team wrapped up its first home weekend of ACC play with a convincing three-set victory over Maryland.
The Canes (13-3, 6-0 ACC), who beat Pitt in three sets on Friday, defeated Maryland 25-22, 25-16 and 25-20. Miami head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara was pleased with his team’s performance against the Terrapins.
“I liked the passing,” Gandara said. “I think the work this week paid off. Our offense is quicker and the overall comfort of the players with carrying out the game plan and our system seems to be better than it was a couple of weeks ago. I like the way we played.”
Miami featured a very balanced attack that hit .333 against Maryland. Alex Johnson, Alexis Mourning, Misty Ma’a, Emani Sims and Savanah Leaf each tallied nine kills on the afternoon. Sims led the quintet with a .562 hitting percentage.
“I think that’s what makes it difficult for the opponent to figure out trends,” Gandara said of the balanced attack. “If you keep things even, they don’t know who is going to get the ball.”
Junior setter Blair Fuentez collected 36 assists, distributing the ball to all five of Miami’s talented hitters. Fuentez, who also had a pair of service aces, has caught Gandara’s attention with her play recently.
“We still try to take advantage of weaknesses and hot hitters,” Gandara said. “I like what Blair is doing and how she has developed in that sense.”
Hurricanes’ defensive specialist Ryan Shaffer, who had four assists and a service ace, led the defense with 15 digs.
Beyond their success on the court, the Canes looked to make an impact off the court, too. Miami played its annual “Dig Pink” match to help find a cure for breast cancer. The Canes warmed up in pink shirts and wore pink socks to help raise awareness. Dig Pink t-shirts were available for purchase with proceeds going towards breast cancer research. Donations towards breast cancer research can also be made online by clicking here.
The Canes have a quick turnaround after this weekend’s matches, traveling to Tallahassee, Fla., for a Wednesday night match against Florida State and to South Bend, Ind., on Friday for their first battle against Notre Dame since the Fighting Irish joined the ACC. The match against the Seminoles will be broadcasted live at 8 p.m. on ESPNU, while Friday’s match against Notre Dame is set to begin at 7 p.m.
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).
