@CanesVB Sweeps ACC Weekly Awards
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The University of Miami volleyball program swept the ACC weekly awards, earning both the Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week for Nov. 10, 2014.
Senior outside hitter Savanah Leaf was selected the ACC Player of the Week for the third time this season, while freshman setter Haley Templeton earned her fourth ACC Freshman of the Week honor.
“This is a special week for our program,” Miami head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “To have Savanah, a senior, and Haley, a freshman, recognized in the same week is a big deal. They both continue to improve and it’s great to see them both get recognized for their work.”
Leaf earned her third Player of the Week honor after playing a key role in Miami’s two victories this past weekend. The San Anselmo, Calif., native recorded a team-best 10th double-double of the season in a three-set sweep over Louisville and posted a team-high 17 kills in Sunday’s four-set victory over Virginia. Leaf, who entered the weekend ranked 10th in the country and atop the ACC with 4.71 kills/set, recorded 10 kills and a team-high 12 digs against the Cardinals. Two days later, Leaf led all players with 17 kills, adding seven digs, two blocks and a service ace in Miami’s four-set win over the Cavaliers.
“It is really exciting,” Leaf said. “ Haley is having an amazing freshman year and I am really happy for her. I think this weekend we had a more balanced offense and that was in part due to Haley and the other hitters who played really well. They helped open up opportunities for me, as well.”
Templeton takes home her second consecutive Freshman of the Week award, and fourth overall, after dishing out 81 assists over two matches this past weekend. The Alpharetta, Georgia, native finished the weekend with an impressive 11.57 assists/set, distributing 41 assists in Miami’s sweep of Louisville and recorded 40 assists in the Hurricanes’ victory over Virginia on Sunday. Templeton added six service aces, five kills and five blocks on the weekend.
“It has been a privilege to play as a freshman with such an outstanding hitter like Savanah,” Templeton said. “I think with both of us winning, it shows how teamwork and hard work pay off.”
Templeton and Leaf have been instrumental in Miami’s success in 2014. The duo has won all of Miami’s seven ACC weekly awards in 2014. Templeton is a four-time ACC Freshman of the Week (Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10), while Leaf has been named ACC Player of the Week three times (Oct. 14, Oct. 20 and Nov. 10).
Leaf has been an impressive attacker and her 4.64 kills/set lead the ACC and rank 11th nationally. The senior outside hitter is a versatile player that makes a difference is several aspects of Miami’s game plan. Her .300 attack percentage and 24 service aces rank second on the Canes, while she is third on the team in total blocks (56) and digs (206).
Leaf has tallied double-digit kills in 22 of Miami’s 24 matches to date in 2014. The gifted outside hitter has compiled 15 kills 16 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).
“Savanah contributes in so many ways,” Gandara said. “She is playing at a high level and doing it on a consistent basis.”
Templeton has been impressive as a freshman, tallying 864 assists (10.94/set) over 24 matches this season. The 6-foot setter has also been a threat to attack, notching 46 kills on the season, and her 26 service aces lead the Hurricanes.
Templeton has accomplished several noteworthy feats this season. The freshman has recorded at least 20 assists in 23 of Miami’s 24 matches this season, including a career-high 53 assists four times (9/13 vs. Ball State, 9/20 vs. Missouri, 10/5 vs. Florida State and 10/10 at Syracuse). Templeton has at least one service ace in 14 of 24 matches this season and has recorded her career-best three on five separate occasions (9/6 vs. Prairie View A&M, 9/19 vs. UNCG, 9/26 vs. Notre Dame, 11/7 vs. Louisville and 11/9 vs. Virginia).
“Haley is getting more and more comfortable running our offense and we have been able to evolve offensively because of her growth,” Gandara said.
The Canes travel to Pennsylvania this weekend for a match against Pitt. First serve against the Panthers is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 14.
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