Miami Downs Colorado for First Sweep of the Season

DENTON, Texas – The University of Miami volleyball team (2-0) secured its first sweep of the season at the UNT Invitational, taking down the Colorado Buffaloes (1-1), 3-0, Saturday evening at The Super Pit.

The Hurricanes notched 44 kills, 41 digs, 11 service aces and eight blocks to claim its victory, led by sophomores Ava Carney and Grace Lopez with 14 and 12 kills, respectively. Lopez also registered a double-double with 11 digs, along with a .450 attack percentage, eight aces and 21.5 points.

Set one was tight with constant lead changes, ultimately leading to a Miami opening-set win, 25-22. Three kills from Carney and back-to-back aces from Lopez gave Miami an early 8-3 lead. Colorado fought back to tie it at 12-all after a 4-0 scoring run. Following a solo block from redshirt freshman Ariana Rodriguez, the Canes went up 20-16 to extend their lead, ultimately securing the opening set, 25-22.

With momentum going into the second set, Miami went up 6-4 on a 4-0 run following two aces from Lopez and a pair of kills from Carney and junior Flormarie Heredia Colon. Despite Colorado’s attempt to even the score, Lopez claimed three consecutive points with back-to-back kills and a solo block to lead the Hurricanes 15-10. Junior Naylani Feliciano led the Canes on an 8-0 scoring run behind the service line, while Lopez notched four service aces, four kills and a solo block. As Miami took control of set two, they dominated Colorado, 25-11.

The final set also showed the Hurricane power, as they repeated with a 25-11 set win. The team put up 13 kills, three aces and three blocks in the final set to lock in the win.

The Canes will remain in Denton for the final day of the UNT Invitational and face North Texas tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET.