@CanesVB Drops HotelRED Opener, 3-0

MADISON, Wisc. – The University of Miami volleyball team could not keep up with No. 4 Wisconsin in the opener of the HotelRED Invitational.

Wisconsin took a 7-1 lead early in the first set and Miami could not recover, falling 25-12 to give the host Badgers a 1-0 lead in the match.

Miami and Wisconsin battled tight early in the second set, with the Canes getting within two (7-5) at one point. The Badgers pulled away to take a 22-9 lead. Before the Hurricanes went on a 6-3 run, but it would not be enough as Wisconsin took the set, 25-15.

The third set was similar to the second early on with Miami and Wisconsin tying twice and the Badgers holding a slim lead over the Canes, 7-6. Wisconsin would extend its lead to six, 14-8, before the Canes got within two, 19-17. The Badgers scored six of the next eight points to take the third set, 25-19, and the match.

The Hurricanes struggled to get their offense going efficiently against Wisconsin, hitting.114 as a team. Senior Savanah Leaf led the Canes with 12 kills, while sophomore Kelsie Groot added six kills and senior Emani Sims tallied five kills.

Freshman setter Haley Templeton distributed 27 assists, while Leaf and junior defensive specialist Kalysta White tied for the team lead with nine digs. Freshman Sakile Simmons was one of two Canes to record a team-high four blocks.

The Hurricanes will play two matches on Saturday, facing Ball State at 11 a.m. ET and closing out against Missouri State at 6 p.m. ET.

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.