@CanesVB Falls in Four Sets at Virginia Tech
BLACKSBURG, Va. – The University of Miami volleyball team fell short in the opening match of a two-game road trip, falling at Virginia Tech in four sets.
The Hokies took the first set 25-22, but Miami got key contributions from veterans Savanah Leaf and Alex Johnson. Leaf had six kills and an ace, while Johnson added three kills and four digs.
Junior Emani Sims chipped in with six kills in the second set to head to the intermission with a team-high nine, but the Hokies pulled away late to take the second set, 25-19.
Miami’s attack struggled to get in a groove early, hitting .151 over the first two sets. Sims was the only Hurricane to have much success offensively, hitting .615 against the Hokies before the break.
After seesaw battles in the first two sets that saw the two teams change leads eight times and reach a stalemate 17 times, the Canes led wire to wire in the third set, winning 25-19.
Miami could not force a fifth set, falling in the fourth 25-13 to wrap up a tough road loss.
Despite the result, the Canes had four hitters finish with double-digit kills. Sims was Miami’s top hitter, talling 13 kills and a .600 attack percentage – both team-highs. Leaf (12), Johnson (10) and Alexis Mourning (10) rounded out the quarter of attackers finishing with at least 10 kills against the Hokies.
Setters Caitilin Donahoe and Blair Fuentez combined for 43 assists, while defensive specialist Ryan Shaffer led all Canes with 12 digs.
Defensively, Sims was Miami’s top blocker with seven blocks. Johnson and Mourning also were active at the net with five blocks apiece.
The Canes will look to bounce back tomorrow as they take on the UVA Cavaliers at 7 p.m. to wrap up their last trip away from the Knight Sports Complex.
Following this weekend’s trip to Virginia, the Canes return home to face in-state rival Florida State on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The match against the Seminoles is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be Miami’s first of six consecutive home matches to close out the 2013 regular season.
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).
