Oct. 9, 2009

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Durham, N.C. - Duke's Rachael Moss stamped 19 kills and Becci Burling supplied another 14 to lead homestanding Duke University past the University of Miami, 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-23) in an ACC volleyball matchup Friday evening at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.

Miami (10-7, 3-4 ACC) kept the first set close in a frame that saw six ties and three lead changes in its attempt to unseat Duke (16-2, 6-0 ACC) of the final remaining title of ACC-unbeaten. With the Hurricanes trailing, 11-10, following a kill from sophomore Ali Becker, the Blue Devils used a 7-2 momentum swing with kills from Moss and Burling to leap out to a sizeable 18-12 advantage.

UM tied the set late, 21-21, on the strength of blocks by Lane Carico, Lici McGee and Nrithya Sundararaman, as well as a kill from Christine Williamson. Three Duke attack errors were also big for the `Canes in the comeback attempt. But Duke's Kellie Catanach connected for a kill on an over attempt by Miami to give the Blue Devils the opening set, 25-22.

The Blue Devils ran out to a quick 6-0 margin in the second set, increasing their lead to as large as 12-1 with Nailah Waterfield's service ace. Miami got two kills from Ariell Cooke and McGee to close to within 20-14, but it was as close as the Hurricanes would come. Amanda Robertson and Sophia Dunworth each posted kills down the stretch to help the Blue Devils with the 25-17 win, staking a 2-0 lead in the match.

In the third set, UM fought toe-to-toe with Duke as the set managed six ties--the second time a set saw as many ties on the evening.

With the set tied at 21-all, Burling placed a kill and Moss another to give the Blue Devils a 23-21 edge. The `Canes came back behind a Duke attack error, followed by a kill from Williamson, to cut the lead at 24-23. But Moss' placement on shots was too good tonight as she posted her 19th kill for the match-winner, 25-23, in the third frame.

Duke was led on the night by Moss' 19-kill, 12-dig performance, as well as Burling with 14 kills and four blocks (two solo). Setter Catanach handed out 39 assists and libero Claire Smalzer grabbed in a match-high 20 digs.

Miami was led by Carico's 15 kills and 13 digs, continuing her double-double streak to seven consecutive matches in a losing effort. It was her ninth double-double of the year, appropriately.

Williamson continues to swing a hot hand collecting eight kills, while McGee added six kills and four blocks (assisted). Sundararaman had 29 assists and three blocks, and libero Cassie Loessberg pitched in on defense with a team-high 15 digs.

Miami will get back to action again next Friday, Oct. 16 when they travel to Boston College for a 7 p.m. affair in Chestnut Hill.

For more information on the University of Miami Volleyball team, please log on to www.hurricanesports.com. Once there, you will find up-to-date news, stats and information regarding the Hurricanes Volleyball program.