Hurricanes Go Undefeated in 305 Challenge

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball team (9-2) defeated the FIU panthers (2-11), 3-1, Saturday afternoon in the Knight Sports Complex.

The Hurricanes totaled 49 kills, 16 blocks, 43 digs and eight service aces to go undefeated in the 305 Challenge. Junior Flormarie Heredia Colon notched 17 kills on a .344 clip, nine digs, two blocks and two service aces, while redshirt frehsman Bianka Lulic earned a career-high nine blocks.

Set one started close, with senior Paula Guersching notching two kills and an ace for a 7-5 lead over FIU. Holding the advantage, sophomore Grace Lopez tallied her first block to go up 15-13. The Panthers went on a 4-0 run and led 22-20 before senior Alanys Viera earned an ace to help tie the set at 24-all. FIU battled to take set one, 26-24.

Heredia Colon tallied her sixth kill of the match to make it 7-6 for the Hurricanes. FIU continued to tie the set, until Miami pulled away after a 4-1 run to lead 21-16. With 15 kills and four blocks, the Hurricanes claimed set two, 25-18.

Miami earned an early 10-3 lead with junior Dalia Wilson earning two blocks and a kill. The Hurricanes took complete control the third set, leading 18-8 after a 4-0 run. After six consecutive points, the orange and green dominated set three, 25-10.

The start of set four was point-for-point until a 4-0 run for the Canes sent them to a 12-9 lead. After a .417 hitting average for the team in the final set, Miami took it 25-16.

The Hurricanes will start ACC play with a road trip to Florida State in Tallahassee, Fla. on Sept. 25.