GREENSBORO, N.C. – Savanah Leaf’s stellar showing against Syracuse and Boston College earned the senior her first ACC Player of the Week honor.
The ACC announced Leaf selection on Tuesday, two days after she was instrumental in Miami’s 2-0 weekend in the Northeast. The senior registered her sixth double-double of the season when she tallied 25 kills and 14 digs in a four-set win over Syracuse. Leaf, who entered the weekend leading the ACC with 4.47 kills/set, was an efficient attacker over the weekend, hitting .359 and collecting 42 kills over seven sets.
The San Anselmo, Calif., native led the Canes’ attack against Boston College, hitting .382 and recording 17 kills. Leaf was also strong with her serves, picking up three service aces on the weekend.
“I am really grateful for the recognition,” Leaf said. “It really means a lot to me because it means that I am doing my job well. I haven’t received it before so it is really exciting.”
A Preseason All-ACC selection, Leaf has been a huge part of Miami’s success in 2014. Her 279 kills lead the Hurricanes and her 4.65 kills/set is the best in the ACC. Leaf is second on the team in service aces with 18 and ranks third in both digs (141) and blocks (46).
“I am really happy for Savanah,” head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “She is having a great season. She does so many things for this team on the court. Savanah is not only our kill leader, but she is also one of our primary passers. Savanah also has a great serve and is one of our best blockers. She is playing volleyball at a high level and is getting more and more consistent week to week. She had another good week and she knows this team needs that from her as a senior captain.”
Leaf has tallied double-digit kills in 15 of Miami’s 17 matches to date in 2014. The gifted outside hitter has compiled 15 kills 11 times this year and recorded at least 20 kills four times, including a career-high 30 against No. 5 Florida State on Oct. 5.
Her performance against the rival Seminoles set a Miami record for kills in an ACC match. The senior also set the record for most kills by a Hurricane at the Knight Sports Complex and tied Karla Johnson for most kills by a Cane in a single match (9/3/05 at Houston).
The Hurricanes have now won an ACC weekly award in three consecutive weeks. Setter Haley Templeton was named ACC Freshman of the Week on Sept. 29 and Oct. 6.
Miami is back in action this weekend for a pair of home matches against Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. The Canes will host the Hokies on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in the annual “Dig Pink” match to help find a cure for breast cancer. Dig Pink t-shirts will be available for purchase with proceeds going towards breast cancer research. Miami’s match against the Yellow Jackets is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Oct. 19.
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