@CanesVB Sweeps Boston College
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball team earned its first ACC win of the season, sweeping Boston College on Friday night.
The Hurricanes (7-8, 1-2 ACC) defended their home court against the Eagles (5-8, 0-3 ACC), opening the weekend’s two-match homestand with a victory.
“I thought we served well,” Miami head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “We managed our game a little better. That was good enough to win tonight. Hopefully we continue to get better in other areas, but we definitely can pass a little better. We blocked 12 balls. I was happy with our serving, blocking and transition hitting.”
The first set was a tight battle, as neither team led by more than four points. Miami and Boston College would reach a stalemate at 21 points and the Eagles called timeout to regroup after a three-point streak by the Hurricanes. Miami would push forward with their charge and finish off the first set victory, 25-23.
Miami took the second set, 25-17, powered by six kills from junior Olga Strantzali. The Hurricanes also had three service aces in the set, helping Miami head into the intermission leading Boston College two sets to none.
“We served better in the end and we passed better,” Strantzali said. “That was the key. I feel like when we pass well and when we serve well, we have the opportunity to win.”
The Hurricanes came out of the break on fire, taking a 16-5 lead in the third set. Miami would continue to build off the momentum of its fast start and close out the third set, 25-14, to secure its first win in conference play.
Strantzali powered Miami’s attack with a team-best 17 kills while hitting .306 for the match. The junior added eight digs and three blocks against Boston College.
Anna Haak recorded six kills, adding five digs, three blocks and a service ace, while Kolby Bird had four kills, two digs and a block.
Sakile Simmons had a team-high seven blocks, finishing just one block shy of tying her career high. Fellow middle blocker Lucia Pampana had five blocks and two kills.
“I think I was really focused on my technique when it comes to watching the ball when I go to block,” Simmons said. “I really think focusing on one play at a time, one set at a time really helps me out.”
Hannah Sorensen distributed 26 assists, adding a career-high four blocks, six digs and a service ace. Sylvia Hernandez recorded seven digs, while Sara Duque had a career-high three service aces and a career-best eight digs in her first career start.
Miami will face Syracuse at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, which will Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the James L. Knight Sports Complex. Pink t-shirts will be given away while supplies last.
Following this weekend’s matches, the Hurricanes will hit the road for a pair of matches against NC State and North Carolina. Miami will play at NC State at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7, while they are set to face North Carolina at 1 p.m. on Oct. 9.
All Hurricanes volleyball home matches are played at the James L. Knight Sports Complex on the University of Miami campus. Admission is free. For a complete look at the Hurricanes’ 2016 schedule, click here.
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.
