Nov. 2, 2008

Box Score | WFU vs. Miami Box Score

Coral Gables, Fla. - Natalie Mullikin's 14 kills and Kristen White's nine-kill performance were the embers that sparked the fire on Sunday afternoon to lead Wake Forest University to a 3-0 triumph (25-19, 25-22, 25-22) over the homestanding University of Miami at the James L. Knight Sports Complex in Coral Gables, Fla.

Wake Forest (16-9, 7-6 ACC) were not fazed by the swarm of pink that was being worn around the Knight Sports Complex on Sunday as the Hurricanes participated in this year's Dig for the Cure program benefitting breast cancer research/awareness. For the Hurricanes, the loss on Sunday was their first in 13 matches dating back to a 3-0 win over Boston College on Nov. 11, 2007.

Their last home defeat came at the hands of Maryland (L, 3-0) on Nov. 9, 2007.

The Demon Deacons became the first team this season to hit over .300 in a match against the Hurricanes, as they picked up a .301 clip (51-11-133). Meanwhile, Miami was held to just .212 hitting (46-15-146).

UM (20-5, 8-5 ACC) got steady play from three players who touched double-digits for kills, led by freshman Lane Carico's match-high tying 14. But the Hurricanes just seemed to be missing something on Sunday as the enthusiasm from Friday's win over Duke was just not carried over, once again, to Sunday's match-up against WFU.

The Demon Deacons used 77 digs on defense to slow down a powerful Miami offense led by Genny Mayhew and Carico. Libero Abby Miller pulled in a match-high 20 digs while teammate Megan Thornberry picked up 16 of her own.

Miami held an 18-17 lead in the first set until WFU went on an 8-1 run to close out the set and earn the victory. In the second set, the Orange and Green led for just one point (3-2), and just five points in the third set, respectively.

Wake Forest was led by Mullikin's 14 kills and four blocks (two assisted). Also aiding the Demon Deacons was Kelsey Jones' double-double effort of 36 assists and 12 digs.

UM was paced by Carico's 14 kills, as well as Angelica Ellis (10) and Mayhew (10). Carico added 11 digs to net her 12th double-double of the year. Gallagher also had a double-double--her 11th of the campaign, as she set-up 25 assists and hauled in 12 digs.

Libero Cassie Loessberg did add 17 digs, while senior Ashley Woods picked up a team-high three blocks (assisted).

The `Canes will look to regroup next weekend when they travel to take on the University of Maryland on Friday, Nov. 7 in College Park. Live stats will be provided by Game Tracker through www.hurricanesports.com.