The University of Miami volleyball team secured a 3-1 victory over Tulsa in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena in Lawrence, Kansas. The Hurricanes, seeded fifth, improved their season record to 27-5 with this win.
Miami posted 56 kills, 59 digs, and seven blocks during the match. Senior Flormarie Heredia Colon led the team with 33 kills, four blocks, and three aces. Senior Naylani Feliciano contributed 21 digs and five assists. Redshirt sophomore Ariana Rodriguez achieved a double-double with 43 assists and 10 digs.
The Hurricanes started strong with a 5-0 run in the opening set after four consecutive kills from Heredia Colon. Although Tulsa narrowed the gap to one point later in the set, Miami maintained momentum for a 25-22 win.
Tulsa responded by taking an early lead in the second set and ultimately winning it 25-13 to even the match.
In the third set, Tulsa initially led before Miami went on an eight-point run featuring contributions from Heredia Colon. The Hurricanes won that set 25-22.
The fourth set was closely contested until Miami pulled ahead with a decisive run. Additional kills from Jazmin Vergara and Dalia Wilson, along with key defensive plays by Feliciano, helped secure a 25-20 victory for Miami.
The Hurricanes will advance to face either Kansas or High Point in the second round of the tournament. The match time will be announced later tonight.
