VB Remains Undefeated on the Road
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Miami volleyball remains undefeated on the road after defeating Wake Forest, 3-1, on Saturday at the LJVM Coliseum for the second day in a row.
Led by Elizaveta Lukianoa’s 13 kills, three service aces and two blocks, Miami improved to 3-1 on the season. The Hurricanes now hold a 22-6 overall record against the Demon Deacons and have won nine of the last 10 meetings.
“You never apologize for winning and two wins in our conference is huge and we’re excited about that,” head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “We’re pretty aware of the fact that we can do things better still, which is exciting and nerve-wracking because we have to make it happen.”
Miami jumped out to the early 1-0 lead for the fourth-straight match after winning the set, 25-23. Janet Kalaniuvalu registered five of her eight kills early, while four Canes each registered a block to limit the Deacons on offense.
The Hurricanes offense didn’t let up, finishing with a set-best .370 attack percentage in the second. Redshirt sophomore Angela Grieve was aggressive with a team-leading six kills and one block. Miami held Wake Forest to a .034 attack percentage and took the 2-0 lead with a 25-14 set win.
Wake Forest looked to avoid the sweep late in the third set holding a 20-15 advantage, but a late rally by the Canes almost prevented that. Miami tied the match at 23, but 11 tied scores later, Wake Forest took the set, 28-26.
The Canes wasted little time in the final set, jumping out to a 20-10 lead. Six Canes registered a kill led by Lukianova and Janice Leao who both recorded four. Savannah Vach tallied seven of her total 38 assists in the last set as Miami took the match with a 25-16 set win.
“We’ve battled here in the past and have had some great matches,” Gandara said. “We know the challenge of playing here. I thought this was one of their better teams in the last couple years.”
Priscilla Hernandez led the Canes with 15 digs and three aces, along with Lukianova.
Miami travels to Clemson, S.C., Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 for its final road matches of the season.
“There’s a lot to be excited about from sweeping this weekend,” Gandara said. “Here comes Clemson, though. We know nothing about them, but we know their staff always gets them ready to play.”
