Hurricanes Notch Seventh Consecutive Win

NORMAL, Ill. – The University of Miami volleyball team (7-1) defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini (3-2) 3-1 on Saturday afternoon at the Linda Herman Classic.

The Hurricanes tallied 58 kills, 36 digs, nine blocks and 13 aces. Senior Flormarie Heredia Colon led the team with 24 kills, senior Dalia Wilson had four blocks, redshirt sophomore Ariana Rodriguez tallied 49 assists and freshman Amina N’Diaye had a stellar performance with 11 kills on a .524 clip.

The first set was tight from start to finish with offensive power on both sides leading the way, as Miami logged 18 kills. The Hurricanes earned a 12-7 lead, but Illinois stayed in and pushed it to 17-all. Following a 5-0 run with Heredia Colon’s three kills, Miami kept the lead and earned the opening set, 25-21.

Illinois bounced back to maintain the led in set two after four blocks. Kills from Miami across the court gave the Hurricanes the will to crawl back. Despite trading points, Illinois edged out Miami with the 25-23 set win.

Heredia Colon, Wilson and N’Diaye took over at the net, combining for six blocks and 12 kills. In total, Miami added another 17 kills in set three to dominate 25-15.

Heredia Colon delivered seven kills and a career-high seven aces, while N’Diaye and Carney sealed key points to push Miami up 18-13. The Hurricanes finished off the Illini 25-17 to take the match, 3-1.

The Hurricanes will return home to face Coastal Carolina on Thursday at the Knight Sports Complex.