Home Blog Page 153

Hurricanes cross country competes in ACC Championships 

McKenzie Eason
-
0
Hurricanes cross country competes in ACC Championships 

This past weekend, NC State hosted the ACC Cross Country Championships. The University of Miami team made the trek to Cary, North Carolina to compete. The championship was the first time that all 18 ACC women’s teams were featured. Furthermore, the 8K course included two outer loops and one inner loop through the wooded areas surrounding WakeMed Soccer Course. The 6K course had two inner loops and one outer loop. 

Both men and women finished at 17 place; the women had 511 points and the men had 498 points. 

Despite a challenging weekend for the ’Canes, senior Austen Cannon achieved a new school record, bringing in an impressive time of 24:05.7 in the men’s 8K, overcoming the previous record holder, Nathan Kuck, with a time of 24:09.2. 

For the women, senior Daphne Lavassas was the highest performer, finishing with a time of 20:46.6 in the women’s 6K. 

Other honorable mentions for ’Canes Cross Country include Senior Cormac O’Brien who improved significantly, resulting in a personal best time of 24:07.7, the second-fastest men’s 8K time in school history. Additionally, Junior Enrique appeared in the top-ten list with a time of 24:52.1. 

The ’Canes were up against major performers, including the Notre Dame women who pulled out their first ACC championship win. Additionally, Wake Forest came out on top on the men’s side, for the second time in three years. 

Looking forward, you can catch the ’Canes in action at the NCAA South Regional Championships on November 10 as they fight to secure a spot at the NCAA Championships in Madison, Wisconsin on November 23. 

Miami beats Stetson in Women’s Basketball home opener

Brendan Cafferty
-
0
Miami beats Stetson in Women’s Basketball home opener

Can you count to 78? 

Well, the visiting grade school students in the stands for the Hurricanes Women’s Basketball home opener on Education Day certainly can.

The matchup between Stetson and Miami saw the Hatters’ defense gradually devolve as the ‘Canes slowly took control of the game.

Stetson won the ball off tip and capitalized with a quick layup.

Miami’s first points came from a steal and assist from Hanna Cavinder to Hailey.The twins combined for 21 total points and nine rebounds.

After some tough defensive play by both teams, Stetson claimed the first three-pointer of the game as well, draining one with just under six minutes in the first quarter. Feeding off of penalties, Miami put another two points on the board, keeping the score close at 8-6. Stetson couldn’t be stopped from the outside, hitting their fourth consecutive three pointer. But Miami would quickly respond with one of their own, pushing the score to 14-9.

The beginning of the second quarter saw Hailey Cavinder sink a jumper from the free throw line. Miami then hit another two-pointer, and the score became a much closer 18-17. Miami assumed the lead at 19 to Stetson’s 18 from Hailey Cavinder’s free throws.

Lemyah Hylton would draw a charge and score an easy three points from the and-one, pushing Miami to a 22-18 lead. The ‘Canes continued to capitalize on Stetson’s penalties, with Natalija Marshall and Hanna Cavinder drawing fouls, making the lead 25-18.

Marshall, a graduate transfer from Notre Dame, led the team in rebounds, totaling 12 on the day. Leah Harmon continued to wear down Stetson’s defense, draining a stepback jump shot to put the ‘Canes up six.

Cameron Williams would put one up from under the rim to answer Stetson’s free throws, and with Anhay Adams hitting another layup on a fast break and Williams’s free throws, the score was set at 32-25 before half.

Stetson’s first possession of the half resulted in a three pointer, but was quickly answered by Jasmyne Roberts’ and Marshall’s two pointers. Hanna Cavinder matched Stetson’s layup with her own score, setting the game at 38-32.

Roberts snagged a pass for a clutch steal and breakaway, and then put up another two, giving the ‘Canes a sizable 44-32 lead. Hanna Cavinder’s three and Anhay Adams’s layup with just a minute left in the third quarter put the Hurricanes up 53-38 over the Hatters.

A deep three from Darionne Rogers put the ‘Canes up 20 in the beginning of the fourth. Stetson’s faltering offense allowed Miami to return to their fast-paced playstyle, capitalizing on turnovers and tacking on another four to a 62-38 score.

A three from Roberts, and layups from Adams and Williams continued the masterclass, setting the ‘Canes up 30 points with five minutes to go in the fourth. Roberts would again, from the corner, nail a three to set the ‘Canes up 24 after a short run by Stetson’s offense.

The Hurricanes look to continue this hot start to the season as they take on the Jacksonville Dolphins next Monday at the Watsco Center.

7 UM students weigh in on the 2024 election

Contributing Writers
-
0
7 UM students weigh in on the 2024 election

BY: Sumner Bradley, Kayla Butter, Alexandra Dominguez, Olivia Estoppey, Elle Haymond, By Kayla Singer, Maggie Loggins 

With the youth vote on track to break turnout records, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are targeting the 18-24 year old voting cohort with hopes they may swing states in their favor. Here is a deep dive look into who University of Miami students are voting for and what they are prioritizing in this election cycle. 

Eva Carroll

Eva Carroll, a 20-year-old pre-med biomedical engineering junior from Hartford, Connecticut, can’t wait to cast her first vote for president.

“I’m voting for Kamala Harris,” she said, “because her policies align more with what our

healthcare system and society need to move forward.”

Growing up in a politically divided climate has shaped Carroll’s perspective, like many of her peers. According to Pew Research, 71% of young voters see healthcare as a top concern, especially the costs and access that directly affect their futures. For Carroll, women’s reproductive rights has been part of her decision to enter the healthcare field.

“It’s about having control over our bodies and access to safe, legal healthcare,” she said, contrasting her views with former President Donald Trump’s strict anti-abortion stance, which she believes limits essential health services for women.

Heading into the final days of the election, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump are working to win over young voters with their different messages. Harris is focused on building on Biden’s Affordable Care Act, with promises of better healthcare access, environmental reforms, and a revamped student loan forgiveness program.

On the flip side, Trump is appealing to those concerned with economic growth, offering tax cuts, national security, and a return to traditional values.

Economic issues matter to Carroll, too. With medical school costs rising, she’s anxious about student debt and sees Harris’s policies as a beacon of hope.

“The cost of schooling is already so high,” she says. “Harris’s support for tuition and affordable education really resonates with me. With her, I feel there’s a chance for more help with student loans.”

The Education Data Initiative reports that medical school tuition in the U.S. has increased by 7% annually over the last decade, with students graduating with around $200,000 in debt. Harris’s proposals for cutting student loan payments offer Carroll a glimpse of a more manageable financial future in healthcare.

Even though she’s a first-time voter, Carroll is well aware of how these policies could affect her career. “I think Harris’s healthcare proposals, like improving the Affordable Care Act, could make a big difference,” she notes, preferring a healthcare system focused on preventive care and accessibility for underserved communities.

Her choice to support Harris also comes from family influence, though not in a direct way. “My parents usually vote Democrat,” she said, “but they’ve always encouraged me to think critically about my choices.”

“They want me to vote for what matters to me, and this year, that’s healthcare and women’s rights,” she added. 

While Carroll is focused on reproductive rights and education funding, she also recognizes other important issues like immigration and foreign policy. They’re significant, but she feels they don’t impact her directly as much as the domestic policies do.

“While those issues are huge, they don’t affect me as directly as healthcare and education,” she said. 

Carroll also supports local ballot initiatives aimed at expanding healthcare funding, believing that state-level changes can significantly shape the future of care.

“I’m voting yes on anything that could improve our healthcare system or make it more inclusive,”she says, viewing these measures as vital steps toward a system that aligns with her professional goals.

Although Carroll’s vote is just one among millions, she believes it carries weight. “Voting is a way for me to stand up for what I believe will positively impact my life and the lives of my future patients,” she said. 

Katherine Pavlik

Katherine Pavlik, like many University of Miami students, is exercising her right to vote in a presidential election for the first time. Pavlik, a 21-year-old senior studying ecosystem science and policy, is basing many of her voting preferences on things that may directly impact her future, like reproductive rights, job availability, and affordable housing.

“I strongly believe in the right for a woman to choose what happens to her own body,” said Pavlik. “As a woman, I am passionate about voting for the candidate that will give me that choice back, regardless of which state I choose to live in.”

Pavlik says that while she is voting for Harris for reasons bigger than gender, having a female president who cares about women’s rights and understands women is a “relieving thought.”

“I believe that this is going to be one of the most important and influential elections, at least of my lifetime, and voting for Harris could mean that I am an important part of making history,” Pavlik said.

And while Pavlik says Harris would be a better candidate for women’s reproductive rights, she also says she finds it important to vote for state ballot initiatives, since those could have more of a direct impact on her life. 

She is “passionate” about voting yes on Amendment 4, which would limit government interference with abortion in the state of Florida.

Pavlik finds affordable housing and job opportunities to be of top priority as well, as she plans to graduate from college next spring. “I definitely want a president that is going to ensure that there are lots of new job opportunities, that I’m going to be able to afford housing after college, and that will hopefully forgive some of my student loans, and I’m more confident that Vice President Harris will do that, especially for those just out of college without a solid income,” Pavlik said.

For Pavlik, she said that while it’s understandable that people may be politically influenced by their upbringing, doing some research is still important.

“It’s a really important decision that could impact our future and being able to back up your decision with real reasoning is basic civic engagement,” Pavlik said.

She says that informing herself on our current political climate is the main reason why she enrolled herself in an election course at The University of Miami this fall, and was glad the course opened her eyes to the importance of being an educated voter.

“Politics impact your everyday life, whether or not people like to talk about it, and I think that it’s really important that everyone educates themselves and exercises their right to vote,” said Pavlik.

Gracie Ariz

Gracie Ariz, a first-year graduate student at the University of Miami, is defying family tradition in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Raised in a predominantly Republican household, Ariz is casting her vote for Kamala Harris, driven by her commitment to women’s reproductive rights—a cause she believes is threatened under conservative leadership.

Ariz, 23, grew up in Miami and attended the all-girls high school, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, where she says she developed a strong sense of feminism that continues to shape her views. 

“My high school experience really encouraged me to think critically about women’s rights, which led me to become an advocate for reproductive freedom,” Ariz said. Now a psychology graduate student, she is among a growing number of young Hispanic women shifting leftward due to concerns over personal freedoms and autonomy. This year, she is not only voting for Kamala Harris but also supporting Amendment 4, a Florida ballot measure to limit government interference with abortion.

Raised in a Cuban American family with strong conservative values, Ariz’s support for Harris marks a significant shift in her family’s political alignment. After the January 6, 2021, insurrection, she and her family have struggled to support Donald Trump. “We’ve always voted Republican, but after January 6, it’s difficult to support the election of a man to the highest office in the country who believes they are above the law,” she said. 

“Kamala Harris is not my favorite candidate ever, but she does align with my ideals about reproductive freedom.” According to Pew Research, data reflects a broader national trend that the gender gap in political support continues to widen, with women increasingly leaning toward Democratic candidates on issues like reproductive rights and healthcare. 

As a young Hispanic woman, Ariz finds herself aligned with this demographic shift. “Women’s rights are non-negotiable,” she said. “When we see policies that restrict those rights, it’s essential to push back. Kamala Harris has shown unwavering support for women’s autonomy, and that’s something I deeply value.”

Ariz completed her undergraduate degree at George Washington University, where she said exposure to diverse viewpoints solidified her stance on abortion rights. “At GW, I met people from all walks of life who shared their personal stories, and it opened my eyes,” she said. 

Now, as she pursues graduate studies in psychology, she believes it’s her civic duty to vote. “Voting is the way we make our voices heard,” she said. “It’s hypocritical to stand so firmly in your convictions but not do anything about it.” 

In Florida, the issue of abortion rights has taken center stage with the proposed Amendment 4 on the ballot. The amendment seeks to limit government interference with abortion—a measure Ariz feels is essential to maintaining reproductive freedom in her home state. 

“Supporting Amendment 4 is part of my commitment to a future where women have complete bodily autonomy,” she said. For Ariz, supporting Harris means supporting a leader who, she believes, will prioritize the issues she cares about most. 

“Kamala Harris stands for the values I hold close,” she said. “While I don’t agree with all of her policies, I cannot support a man who played a such a significant role in the reversal of Roe v Wade.” 

For Ariz, this election is about more than her own values; it’s about securing rights for future generations. “I don’t want my future daughters to grow up in a world where they have fewer rights than their grandmothers had before them,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking to think we’re moving backward on something as fundamental as a woman’s right to choose. Kamala Harris might not be perfect, but she’s committed to protecting those rights.”

Corinne Kelly

“This is my first time voting,” said Corinne Kelly, 21, a sophomore political science major at the University of Miami.

For the Philadelphia native, voting isn’t just a civic duty for Americans. It’s a chance to shape a future where young people like her can access basic needs and thrive after college and navigate issues from healthcare to the economy.

“I feel like it’s very important to vote in this election… in my opinion, every vote matters,” Kelly said. “And I’m from Pennsylvania, so it’s a big swing state, so I feel as if my vote matters more there.” 

Her home state is one of the crucial swing states – one of the states that’s expected to decide the 2024 presidential election. 

“I’d say access to healthcare, including women’s rights and abortion, and then also the economy, are my two most important topics that I care about,” she said. 

Kelly has personally witnessed the real impact of healthcare costs and student debt. 

“I grew up in kind of a low-income household, so [healthcare] is something that’s near and dear to my heart,” she said. “I feel like coming out of college with a bunch of debt, it’ll be hard for a lot of people to access those things.” 

She feels that most students out of college will be living paycheck to paycheck, and believes that regardless, everyone should be able to seek medical help regardless of their financial situation. 

Kelly’s perspective is also shaped by her family’s mixed political views. “My family is very mixed… some have always been Democrat, some Republican,” she 

said. “It’s influenced me in a way that I see how some people are, and I want to not be like that.” Watching different family members navigate politics has taught her the value of staying open-minded while staying true to her beliefs and her values.

For Kelly, the process of voting by mail brought its own challenges as a first-time-voter. “I was maybe a little bit confused on exactly what to do,” she said, and had to use university resources and her family’s help to send in her ballot. She said for many new voters, the process can be a bit daunting, and making voting accessible and easier is essential for improving voter turnout in her generation.

 Carter Richardson

For Carter Richardson, a 22-year-old journalism major from Mexico, New York, the stakes in this election feel personal. 

Richardson, a college senior, plans to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. He is strongly pro-abortion rights, believing that women’s reproductive decisions should be free from government interference. “There are serious health risks that can come with pregnancy, and abortion is usually not a malicious thing, but rather a very difficult decision that women are forced to make,” Richardson said.

For Richardson, supporting a candidate who advocates for these rights is essential. He also feels strongly about the importance of trans rights and accessible healthcare. He believes that transgender individuals deserve both legal protections and access to comprehensive healthcare, free from discrimination. A New York ballot initiative focuses on public health measures to increase resources for healthcare access, aligning with Richardson’s view that healthcare access is a core issue for all voters, regardless of their gender or sexuality. “I feel very strongly about trans rights, and I truly believe that Kamala will do more for the community,” he said. 

Richardson’s political beliefs have developed independently of his family, who largely support former President Donald Trump. Growing up, Richardson was often surrounded by conservative perspectives, but his views began to shift as he explored issues important to him. Despite the political differences, Richardson says he maintains respect for his family’s views, though he feels strongly that his stance aligns with the policies he believes will promote inclusivity and equality. “I respect my family’s views, but I do not and never will agree with them,” Richardson said.

Like many people his age, Richardson views voting as a crucial responsibility. He’s concerned that some citizens overlook the significance of voting. To him, staying engaged and informed about candidates and policies is essential to shaping a future aligned with his values, especially regarding social justice and healthcare. 

“People should care who the president of their country is. It is insane how many people I know that don’t vote,” Richardson said. 

Isabella David

Isabella David, a 20-year-old public relations major and junior at the University of Miami, her decision to vote – and who to vote for – was never in doubt. 

“I knew, honestly, no matter who the Democratic candidate was, I was not voting for Trump,” she said.  “A lot of people think their vote doesn’t matter, but I think everyone’s vote matters,”

The Silver Spring, Maryland, native, said reproductive rights are at the heart of her decision. “One of the biggest topics throughout this election has been reproductive rights,” she said, emphasizing her support for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. David comes from a family that has historically voted liberal, which has influenced her own political leanings. 

For David, the right to choose extends beyond abortion; it encompasses broader healthcare for women. “There’s a lot of healthcare that’s getting grouped in with these laws, not just abortion,” she said. “I think it’s fundamentally a right that women should have,” she added, pointing out that healthcare and women’s safety shouldn’t be a debate.

David’s home state of Maryland is one of many states that has a ballot initiative related to women’s reproductive rights this November. The “Constitutional Amendment Declaration of Rights—Right to Reproductive Freedom” seeks to protect the right to reproductive freedom within the state constitution. “Obviously, I said I was for the constitutional right for reproductive freedom. Definitely think that should be something that is protected within our lives,” she said.

On another issue, David said the high cost of pharmaceuticals is a personal concern for her, as she’s seen family members struggle with the high cost of medication. She referenced Harris’s desire to build on 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act to cap the price of prescription drugs. “I think it’s really important that people are able to keep that money instead of large pharmaceutical companies because it’s just so unnecessary and takes advantage of people,” David said.

On immigration, another contentious issue in this election, David acknowledges criticism of Harris’s stance, but she believes Harris is working to make the process of gaining citizenship more accessible, especially for those fleeing dangerous situations. “At the end of the day, 98% of [immigrants] are just people trying to make a better life for themselves,” she said.

Paris Brady

For University of Miami students like 21-year-old Paris Brady, their ethnic backgrounds and their families’ voting history play a big role in their political opinions and who they’re voting for this November. 

The nursing major voted for Kamala Harris via absentee ballot to his home state of Maryland. Brady says the two driving factors that led to his decision were his beliefs around women’s reproductive rights and his Jamaican background, as he said Jamaican immigrants largely tend to lean to the left. 

As a Black man, Brady feels that his cultural background and his family’s political views have naturally led him to have more progressive views. “Being from Maryland in a Black family, my family has always traditionally voted Blue, and this election will not be any different,” Brady said. “My family is also composed of mostly Jamaican immigrants so improved access to immigration is also a major factor to me,” he added. 

As for specific policies, Brady feels very strongly about protecting a woman’s right to a safe abortion across the country. 

“As a nursing major, I see firsthand what limited access to abortion can do in terms of women’s health. Especially regarding topics like rape/incest and ectopic pregnancies, I think a woman’s right for full bodily autonomy is especially important in the 2024 election due to the previous revoke of Roe vs Wade,” said Brady. 

 This year, Maryland’s ballot initiative is about whether the state should provide a constitutional right to reproductive freedom, including abortion. 

“I voted yes,” said Brady. “Because as the federal government continues to strip away rights, ratifying it in the state constitution would protect freedoms throughout the state, which indirectly would also help nearby states by offering an opportunity to travel to have an abortion.” 

Brady also encourages his fellow students to participate in the upcoming election, stressing that every vote will count. In his opinion, voting is a powerful tool that can help diverse voices reach far and wide. 

“The only people who seem to consistently vote nowadays are what seem to be ‘extremists’ on both sides of the political spectrum. It is important that we all vote so that the average American’s voice is heard,” he said.

This story was written in partnership with the JMM 592 Reporting the U.S. Presidential Election class.

We’re the Miami Hurricanes, but we’re not invincible 

Keira Faddis
-
0

Even though I’ve lived in South Florida my entire life, I’ve never experienced a hurricane season that has made me feel this nervous. My first year in college has given me a new outlook on things, after realizing just how little students and schools seem to take things seriously during the threat of a hurricane. 

I’ve seen countless people throw hurricane parties in the past, many of which used to feature the infamous (now discontinued) hurricane cake from Publix. Even this semester there were hurricane parties while students waited for an announcement about the university closing school. 

I found this extremely distasteful because even though the parties were lighthearted, thousands of people are at risk of being displaced by hurricanes. While we are extremely privileged to be in a secure building during these disasters, there are upwards of 31,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Florida according to the Florida Coalition to End Homelessness.

Animal shelters also experience extreme overcrowding during hurricanes. According to a study by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are more than 2.8 million feral cats living in Florida, who are either left outdoors or placed in shelters during hurricanes. 

Students need to take hurricanes more seriously instead of blatantly disregarding warnings and possible destruction in favor of celebrating days off. Beyond just being unsafe, this behavior is disrespectful to those losing their belongings, livelihoods, and even lives to these natural disasters. 

I know firsthand how dangerous hurricanes can be. In 2017, my family had to evacuate our home before Hurricane Irma. My dad had to stay home as an essential worker, and my mom took my sister and I further north. Having to evacuate completely changed my attitude about hurricanes. 

Furthermore, studies show that hurricanes with female names are taken less seriously than those with male names. People don’t evacuate or prepare enough when they should, therefore making them more deadly on average. 

This was recently an issue during Hurricane Helene, an extremely deadly storm that did major damage in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Tampa, FL. Helene caused more than 200 casualties, many of which were people who either did not not have the means to evacuate or chose not to, though they were encouraged to. 

At UM, classes went on as normally scheduled, even with terrible wind. According to the UM weather policy, wind alone isn’t enough to close campus, but with many out-of-state parents and students worried, going to classes was not a top priority for everyone. 

Around 71% of students at UM are either international or out-of-state. For many, their first experience with a hurricane may be at school. So while the wind might be nothing for someone who has experience with a hurricane, someone without any experience won’t feel as comfortable and look to the University for support. 

During Hurricane Milton, UM canceled in-person classes. On Monday, Oct 7, UM put out a statement regarding Milton. They announced that classes would be moved to Zoom until Thursday, Oct. 10. 

After the statement was released, I heard people cheering and celebrating all down my hall in my dorm. People started treating the days of online classes like a vacation, when in reality it was to make sure everyone was safe. 

The next day, most people had a completely different attitude. 

Even though the statement adhered to the 72-hour window mentioned in the emergency weather policy, three days is not enough time to secure flights back home, not to mention airline price gouging. Some of the same students I watched celebrate the cancellation of in-person classes scrambled through the hallways, racing to get home to other states, and even other countries, safely. Realization set in that they were all expected to somehow get to safety and still attend class on Friday. This left many students with even fewer options to evacuate safely. 

Even though we have been lucky enough at UM to not have a serious hurricane hit us, there is always a possibility. Everyone living in Florida should make an effort to stay informed this hurricane season. The more you know about hurricanes, the better prepared you are to take action. 

You should also be sure to have an evacuation plan ready before things start getting serious. For those who live out of state, talk with a parent or guardian about how you could get home in an emergency, or find someone who would be willing to take you in under short notice, like a roommate’s family. 

It is important to remember that getting a few extra days to sleep in during the semester is not something to celebrate when you think of the potential deaths and millions of dollars in damages hurricanes cause. You should always be informed, smart and compassionate during the stressful hurricane season.

Takeaways from Miami Football’s shaky victory over Duke

Luke Sims
-
0
Takeaways from Miami Football’s shaky victory over Duke

There’s never a dull moment for the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes (9-0) at Hard Rock Stadium as they stole a victory 53-31 over the Duke Blue Devils (6-3) on Saturday afternoon in Miami Gardens. The Hurricanes welcomed former coach Manny Diaz back to Hard Rock and sent him home packing. 

This was a bit of an odd game for the ‘Canes. They looked sloppy at times and really good at times. The team will need a more consistent effort to beat better teams but a win is a win and Miami moves on with a still intact undefeated record. 

This team is record breaking

Two different players wearing orange and green broke records on Saturday. Xavier Restrpo moved into first place on the Miami Hurricanes all time receiving yards record with his eight reception, 146 yard performance on Saturday. Restrepo passed Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne who were in first and second place, respectively. 

Quarterback Cam Ward broke the single-season passing touchdown record with his five touchdown passes on Saturday. Ward passed Malik Rosier’s record of 32 and still has at least three more games to push the record. 

We are truly witnessing history in Miami Gardens this season. 

The ‘Canes lack consistency  

On both sides of the ball, Miami lacked any type of consistency. At the start of the Duke game, Miami looked to run away with the game, putting together two dominating drives and forcing an interception. The next two drives were ugly three-and-outs for the Miami offense and the Blue Devils operated with efficiency as they marched down the field and proceeded to go on a 21-3 run before the half. 

Then the ‘Canes played a stellar offensive game in the second half and scored 21 points, looking unstoppable. With all the momentum on their side, leading by seven in the fourth quarter, Ward throws a horrendous interception that gives Duke life. 

That is not what you want to see from the guy who broke the single-season passing touchdown record in Hurricanes history. 

Miami’s defense is subpar

It was an embarrassing performance for the Miami defense. Duke, which entered this game ranked 107th in total yards per game, scored 21 points and racked up 210 yards of first-half offense. 

The defense did settle in during the second half and played a pretty tough game forcing two turnovers and stiming the Duke offense, but the ‘Canes can’t get away with playing this sloppy for long, or it will burn them against teams with tougher offenses.

Miami did not get meaningful pressure on Murphy all game on Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy at all in the first half. The linebackers were missing assignments in the run game and in coverage. The safeties were lost in the middle of the field and deep in coverage. At all three levels the Miami offense was failing. 

OJ Frederique, Jr. is the best cornerback for Miami right now

In need of a huge defensive stop during the third quarter, the true freshman cornerback played the deep ball by Murphy. Playing on the back of the wide receiver, Frederique took advantage of the overthrow and returned the ball back to the Miami 38. This led to a touchdown and Miami retaking the lead over the Blue Devils. 

Miami cornerbacks had been torched all afternoon. Murphy was doing whatever he wanted through the air and Darly Porter Jr. and Jadais Richard were unable to slow down Sahmir Hagans who caught nine passes for 139 yards and a score.

Richard did make some plays in the second half including a pass breakup and an interception that made his statline a little more palpable. Richard left the game with a lower-body injury following his interception in the fourth quarter. 

Frederique has been locking down opposing receivers all season. With the way he’s playing, and with the play around him, he’ll be in line to get the toughest matchups the rest of the way. 

Isaiah Horton is Miami’s #2

Coming into the season Horton was fourth on the depth chart in the Hurricanes wide receiver room. Throughout the season Horton has provided numerous clutch moments. The big 6’4” wideout has been Ward’s favorite target besides Restrepo. 

Horton feasts on balls over the middle. The slant route is so difficult to defend and with Ward’s vision and Horton’s size, the duo is almost unstoppable. Whether it’s in the red zone or on clutch third downs, Horton has proven that he can be reliable in clutch situations for the ‘Canes offense. 

The sophomore added six more receptions for 71 yards on Saturday to bring his season total 46 receptions and 548 yards. Horton ranks second on the team in both categories behind Restrepo. 

While it was not the prettiest win on Saturday, the Hurricanes remained undefeated and moved into the top four of the polls for the first time since 2017. 

All stats and data via Miami Hurricanes and ESPN.

Billboard Latin Music Week 2024: where tradition meets innovation

Gabriel Mena
-
0

The historic Fillmore Miami Beach became the epicenter of Latin music’s universe as the 35th anniversary of Billboard Latin Music Week kicked off on Monday, Oct. 14. The event, sponsored by DoorDash, Chevron, Cheetos and Smirnoff ICE, transformed Miami into a vibrant celebration of Latin music’s past, present and future.

From Underground to Mainstream: The Evolution of Latin Music

The week’s programming perfectly captured the meteoric rise of Latin music in the global marketplace. Colombian superstar Feid’s appearance at Monday’s “From Clubs to Stadiums” panel, presented by Live Nation, embodied this transformation.

“There are many of us who are part of the team,” Feid said during the panel. “I live intensely in the present, and this helps us stay alert.” 

Joined by his manager Luis Villamizar and Live Nation’s Senior VP of Global Touring, Hans Schafer, the conversation highlighted how Latin music has evolved from a niche market to a global phenomenon.

RIMAS Entertainment: A Decade of Revolutionizing Latin Music

The celebration of RIMAS Entertainment’s 10th anniversary stood as a testament to Latin music’s explosive growth. What began as a digital distributor has transformed into an international powerhouse under the leadership of CEO Noah Assad, Vice President Junior Carabaño and Habibi General Manager Raymond Acosta.

Assad’s vision of RIMAS as a “family of facilitators” has proven revolutionary, launching the careers of numerous stars including Bad Bunny, Arcángel, Eladio Carrion and Mora. The panel revealed how RIMAS’s “don’t say it, show it” philosophy has revolutionized the industry approach to artist development.

“Anyone can make money, but you can’t buy history with money,” Raymond Acosta’s words resonated throughout the panel, encapsulating RIMAS’s philosophy of prioritizing artistic development over quick profits. This approach has established RIMAS as one of the industry’s most prestigious labels in just a decade.

Breaking Barriers: Women in Latin Music

Tuesday’s Women’s Panel: Global Rising, presented by Ulta, emerged as one of the week’s most powerful conversations. The star-studded lineup featured Bad Gyal, Belinda, Danna, Debi Nova, Mon Laferte and Zhamira Zambrano, each bringing unique perspectives on navigating the Latin music industry. The discussion delved deep into the challenges and triumphs of being women in a rapidly evolving industry.

Danna’s passionate declaration about female alliances resonated throughout the room:

“They are important and necessary,” Danna said.  “We talk to each other and the world moves. Being able to turn around and know that we are colleagues and not competition […] We are making a very big change. Women are taking charge of everything.” 

The panel highlighted how female artists are not just breaking through barriers but actively reshaping the industry’s landscape, creating support systems and mentorship opportunities for the next generation of Latin music talent.

Bridging Generations: Yandel’s Legacy and Future

In one of the week’s most insightful sessions, reggaeton pioneer Yandel took center stage to discuss his latest project, “ELYTE,” his eighth solo studio album. The 19-track production serves as a masterclass in evolution, showcasing how veteran artists can stay relevant while honoring their roots. 

Yandel’s approach to blending traditional reggaeton with contemporary elements demonstrated his commitment to pushing the genre forward while maintaining its essential character.

The panel became particularly engaging when Yandel was joined by rising star Dei V and De La Ghetto, creating a powerful moment of generational exchange. The trio’s discussion revealed how Puerto Rico’s rich musical tradition continues to evolve through collaboration and mutual respect. 

De La Ghetto’s observation, “It’s important to study the greats,” highlights the genre coming full circle – from Puerto Rican artists studying English hip-hop artists to today’s English-speaking artists drawing inspiration from Latin artists.

Young Miko: The Voice of a New Generation

In a compelling Superstar Q&A, Young Miko offered insights into her artistic journey and the future of Latin music. When questioned about being the voice of her generation, she humbly expressed her desire to be the artist she wished she had seen growing up—authentic and true to her origins.

She spoke about wanting to inspire young listeners by embracing her unique perspective and staying connected to her cultural origins, hoping that her journey might help others feel empowered to pursue their dreams without compromising their identity.

Creative Process Unveiled

The week featured unique glimpses into music creation, with Mexican sensation Grupo Frontera demonstrating their hit-making process live on stage. 

In just 40 minutes, the band crafted a new song titled “Ya No,” written by Edgar Barrera, showcasing their signature cumbia style. Later that evening, they headlined Billboard En Vivo at Wynwood Marketplace, with Majo Aguilar opening with a traditional Mexican performance that had the crowd dancing to cumbia beats.

JBalvin’s Epic Finale

The week reached its pinnacle on Wednesday night with an unforgettable showcase curated by JBalvin. Wynwood Marketplace quickly reached capacity, with the crowd’s excitement building with each performance.

Omar Courtz kicked things off with an electrifying set featuring hits from “Primera Musa,” including crowd favorites “Goddess,” “Serio con ese Q” and “Que Vas Hacer Hoy?” Saiko’s Miami debut followed, igniting the audience with “Polaris” and other chart-toppers. 

Dei V maintained the energy with hits like “Quien es Dei V?”, “Narcotics,” and “Crush” before being joined by Saiko for their explosive collaboration ‘BADGYAL.”

Just when attendees thought the night couldn’t get more spectacular, JBalvin surprised the crowd with a full-blown greatest hits set. The Colombian superstar delivered a high-energy set that seamlessly transitioned between global hits like “Mi Gente,” “Bonita,” “La Cancion,” “Con Altura” and “Reggaeton.” 

The performance showcased JBalvin’s extraordinary showmanship and demonstrated why he remains one of Latin music’s most influential figures. His ability to connect with the audience and create an electric atmosphere turned what was already an impressive evening into an unforgettable experience that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Billboard Latin Music Week.

Looking Forward

As Billboard Latin Music Week celebrated its 35th anniversary, the event demonstrated how Latin music continues to evolve while honoring its roots. From RIMAS Entertainment’s decade of innovation to the cross-generational exchange between established and emerging artists, the week highlighted Latin music’s unique position at the intersection of tradition and innovation. 

The success of this year’s event at the Fillmore Miami Beach not only celebrated the industry’s current achievements but also pointed toward an even brighter future for Latin music on the global stage.

Caught in the haze: Why we should vote yes on Amendment 3

Janay Blakely
-
0

If voters were to listen to the messaging of those who oppose the legalization of marijuana as proposed by Amendment 3, they would be filled with a deep concern for the future of Florida and the nation as a whole. Who wouldn’t be? Groups such as No On 3 are painting a bleak picture involving fentanyl overdoses, corporate monopolies, smoke-filled streets, and general lawlessness. The issue with these assertions is that they are primarily fueled by fear rather than fact.

Voting yes on Amendment 3 not only helps to expand individual freedoms and access to safer, quality-controlled cannabis products but also has the potential to enhance state revenue. The following are some of the fears of those opposing Amendment 3 and the facts that address them.

Fear: The prevalence of legal recreational marijuana will lead to an increase in minors smoking.

Fact: The amendment is clear. Amendment 3 allows people 21 years old and up to buy, hold, or use marijuana for personal use, which includes smoking and eating it. It also lets licensed centers and businesses grow, make, and sell marijuana products and related items

In other words, minors would be unable to legally purchase marijuana for themselves. In addition to this, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Recreational cannabis legalization has not been associated with any increase in adolescent marijuana use.” That is not to say it will be impossible for minors to obtain weed. Some are already smoking it the same way that some smoke cigarettes, vape or drink alcohol. This issue is already pervasive and not specific to weed. 

Fear: Amendment 3 could put people at risk of consuming fentanyl-laced marijuana.

Fact: Much of this stems from the horrific fentanyl epidemic we find ourselves in. While this fear of fentanyl-laced cannabis is understandable, it is also mostly unfounded. According to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, in general, “fentanyl-laced cannabis products are a malevolent myth.” In fact, according to Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals, the ways people consume cannabis such as burning via smoking and ingestion through edibles breaks down fentanyl, preventing it from being absorbed.

Also, the amendment calls for the sale of marijuana to be limited to state-licensed entities which allows for regulation and quality control of the products used by the general public. Reduction in access to drugs does not eliminate their use, it eliminates safe usage. 

Fear: Amendment 3 will allow for a corporate monopoly on marijuana and prevents the use of “homegrown marijuana.”

Fact: A monopoly implies control by a single company. As it stands, “Florida has 25 licensed medical marijuana companies,” and the Florida legislature would be able to extend licenses to additional entities, therefore not a monopoly. 

However, the rest of the above statement is true. Amendment 3 does not currently have allowances for homegrown cannabis, but this is no different than current federal laws that govern us. Also, not allowing for homegrown marijuana allows for greater quality control and regulation which should help assuage fears of synthetic/fentanyl-based marijuana use. 

In addition to quality control, prohibiting the use of homegrown marijuana means the state has the ability to tax the sale of legally obtained cannabis. This industry is estimated to bring in $195.6 million annually in state and local sales taxes.

Fear: Florida has a reputation as a family-friendly state, and the overwhelming smell of marijuana in the streets will negatively affect this.

Fact: Currently, there are no restrictions on smoking marijuana in public. However, there is a framework in place that could be used to implement time and place restrictions for smoking cannabis. Much in the way that Florida has banned smoking “in workplaces, restaurants and bars,” legislators could and should implement similar laws surrounding when and where people can smoke. These regulations could be built into the legislation surrounding Amendment 3 if it gets voted in.

There are also odorless ways to consume marijuana, such as tinctures and edibles. 

Furthermore, in Colorado, a state that legalized marijuana, residents have the option to file formal complaints about the odor, which can result in hefty fines to discourage outrageous amounts of smoke and the associated smells. Also, “most grow facilities have ventilation systems and filters to prevent odors from escaping, even when marijuana cultivation is at its stinkiest during the harvest times.” The system isn’t perfect, but it does offer a framework through which other “smell solutions” can be explored.

Even I have to admit that marijuana can smell less than pleasant, and I certainly wouldn’t want my young nieces and nephews inhaling the aroma. Finding solutions to this problem will take time, but other states are already paving the way for Florida to base policies on.

I am not arguing that legalizing recreational marijuana will be a simple task or that it doesn’t raise issues, such as what to do for people currently incarcerated for marijuana-related crimes. We need regulations and guardrails in place to guarantee our citizens can enjoy their cannabis responsibly. However, many of the fears of those opposing Amendment 3 are not completely valid.

Voting yes on Amendment 3 allows us to explore safer options for marijuana consumption that allow for higher quality control while also generating revenue that can go towards taxpayer needs such as expanded civil services or infrastructure maintenance. 

I am voting yes on Amendment 3; are you?

Puff, puff, pass on Florida’s Amendment 3

Eftyhia Fillas
-
0
Puff, puff, pass on Florida’s Amendment 3

Citizens of Florida must consider their position on Florida’s Amendment 3, the legalization of marijuana, as this election approaches. 

Passing Amendment 3 would legalize recreational marijuana use for individuals of 21 years or older and permit the sale of marijuana by medical marijuana treatment centers. Individuals would be able to possess three ounces of marijuana or up to five grams if the marijuana is in the form of concentrate.

When you go to vote, vote no on Amendment 3. This amendment should not be passed because legalization does not fix issues surrounding marijuana use or fentanyl and creates new issues.

Legalizing marijuana will not eliminate fentanyl poisoning

One reason people want to pass Amendment 3 is because they believe the legalization of marijuana will help decrease the levels of fentanyl poisoning. However, when looking at statistics, a majority of fentanyl poisoning cases are actually more prevalent in people under the age of 21, an age group that does not receive legal rights to purchase regulated marijuana if the amendment passes. 


A study conducted by the organization Families Against Fentanyl, recently uncovered that “children under the age of 14 are dying of fentanyl poisoning at a faster rate than any other age group.” A majority of these fentanyl poisonings come from cases where marijuana is laced with fentanyl according to the DEA.

DEA research also shows that individuals who may not have the funds to purchase marijuana at retail price may try to find a cheaper alternative, which is more likely to be laced with fentanyl. Children cannot purchase marijuana in states where it is legal and are most likely to have insufficient funds to purchase the drug, causing them to turn to the black market. By purchasing the marijuana from black market sources, children become the most likely to obtain laced marijuana.

When something becomes legalized, it becomes much more accepted in society.  This can become a dangerous influence on kids who see their parental figures or role models indulging in the use of marijuana. Kids have not fully developed decision–making skills to understand the age restriction behind the law and the severity of indulging in the use of marijuana at a younger age, and might attempt to use the drug. According to Stage 4 of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, “children believe that following rules and laws is essential for maintaining social order, and they often define ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ based on whether an action is legal or not.” 

Regulating marijuana doesn’t make it healthy

In addition to reducing fentanyl poisonings, regulation does not prevent people from contracting major health issues. Growing marijuana has no federal centralized regulations, and in some states, such as California, can have little to no regulation. Studies conducted on personal cultivation of marijuana have shown that if the growth of the drug is not well regulated, mold or fungus may contaminate the plant, leading to poisonings and other medical issues. 

Not only can contaminated marijuana plants cause health issues, but regular marijuana use can lead to severe illnesses. According to the Miami Herald, people who frequently use the drug tend to be diagnosed with head and neck cancers and have an increased chance of having a stroke or a heart attack.

Aside from the myriad dangers that legalizing marijuana poses to health, legalization also opens the door for the formation of monopolies and oligopolies — posing a threat to our economy.

Corporations will dominate this new sector

The state of Florida has no regulations in place to protect small cannabis distributors from larger dominating corporations. Researchers from the Parabola Center hypothesize that the legalization of marijuana will eventually lead to “markets dominated by one or a few players that control the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis products.” 

With no regulations in place to protect small businesses, one large intrastate market will form — which is a market that exchanges services and products within a single state. Interstate barriers, which are laws or practices that favor local businesses over businesses from other states, will also diminish. This will lead to monopolization of the cannabis industry by one large cannabis corporation.

Furthermore, evidence from studies conducted in California highlighted how oligopolies formed due to a loophole found in the decriminalization of marijuana. Large businesses obtained as many cultivator licenses as they could afford, allowing them to abuse the legalization and form oligopolies.

It’s clear that there are more dangers to legalizing marijuana in Florida that many might realize. Between increased use in younger demographics and the danger of creating a cannabis industry monopoly, Floridians should think long and hard about their vote on Amendment 3, then vote no.

Xavier Restrepo becomes all-time leading receiver in Miami Hurricanes’ history

Callie Sims
-
0
Xavier Restrepo becomes all-time leading receiver in Miami Hurricanes’ history

Records are made to be broken. 

That is exactly what fifth-year senior, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo did Saturday against the coach who recruited him to Coral Gables, Duke’s Manny Diaz. 

Restrepo, with his parents in attendance at Hard Rock Stadium, finishes Saturday’s game with eight receptions, 146 yards and three touchdowns. That brings his season to a record-breaking 51 receptions, 856 yards and nine scores. 

The Fort Lauderdale native passes the two all-time leaders Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne while overtaking Michael Irvin, who held fourth, earlier this season. With this game, Restrepo’s career totals 182 receptions and 2,573 yards. Irvin and Andre Johnson, another top receiver in Miami history, were present to witness this record-breaking performance. 

In addition to breaking the yards record, Restrepo tied Mike Harley for first in Miami Hurricanes history in receptions with 182. This record will almost certainly be broken in any of the coming three games on Miami’s schedule. Whether it’s next Saturday at Georgia Tech, in the last home game versus Wake Forest, or in the icy cold of Syracuse a new record will surely be set.

Pro Football Focus gave Restrepo an 82.7 grade for his historic performance on Saturday. In his 58 snaps, Restrepo was targeted 12 times. This day could have been even more explosive for Restrepo. There were two deep balls Ward threw that Restrepo simply could not bring in. With those catches, Restrepo’s day would have been well over 200 yards with a possible four touchdowns. 

“First and foremost I want to give all the glory to the Man above. Without him, nothing is possible,” said Restrepo in his post-game press conference. “Secondly, the group of guys we have on this team are unmatched.”

Restrepo would go on to give credit to everyone but himself, now he finds only his name at the top of the Miami record books.


All stats and data via ESPN and the Miami Hurricanes unless otherwise noted.

Xavier Restrepo passes Santana Moss for Miami’s all-time receiving yards leader as No. 5 Miami beats Duke 52-31

Jayden Gonzalez
-
0
Xavier Restrepo passes Santana Moss for Miami’s all-time receiving yards leader as No. 5 Miami beats Duke 52-31

In front of Miami wide receiver legends Andre Johnson and Michael Irvin, and his coach who recruited him, Manny Diaz, wideout Xavier Restrepo etched his name in the history books for the Hurricanes.

Up eight in the fourth quarter, the fifth-ranked Miami Hurricanes (9-0, 5-0 ACC) needed one more score to push past the Duke Blue Devils (6-3, 2-3 ACC). 

On second down, Miami quarterback Cam Ward hit Restrepo on a catch and run for a 66 yard touchdown. That score from the fifth-year senior put him in front of Santana Moss for most receiving yards ever by a Miami Hurricane with 2573 yards.

“First and foremost, I want to give all the glory to the man above,” Restrepo said when asked about his record day. “The group of guys we have on this team is unmatched.”

Restrepo’s historic score capitalized a 53-31 victory by the Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium Saturday afternoon.

In the beginning of the third quarter, the boo birds roared through the stadium as Duke scored its fourth touchdown in as many consecutive drives, outscoring the ’Canes 28-3 in that span. That score put the Blue Devils up by 11 with the Hurricane defense reeling.

The momentum swung back to UM halfway through the third. After a Miami touchdown to Restrepo to bring the deficit back to three, true freshman cornerback O.J. Frederique picked off Duke’s Maalik Murphy and returned the ball back to the Blue Devils’ 38-yard line.

“On the field he is an assassin; off the field he’s a gentleman, a super polite young man,” Cristobal said about the true freshman.

Six plays later, true freshman tight end Elija Lofton picked up his first career rushing touchdown, bringing Miami back in front 32-28. 

After allowing the touchdown to open the third quarter, the Hurricanes went on a 36-3 run, turning the 60,189 fans at Hard Rock Stadium into a frenzy.

Ward was lights out for the ’Canes this afternoon, putting up another stellar performance to boost his Heisman campaign. The Washington State transfer quarterback finished his afternoon completing 61% of his throws for 400 yards and five touchdowns. Ward also threw one interception and lost a fumble. 

Senior quarterback Cam Ward looks for an opening to pass the ball during Miami’s game against Duke University at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday Nov. 2, 2024. Photo Credit: Alexandra Fisher, Co-Photo Editor //

With five touchdowns this afternoon, Ward has tied Steve Walsh for Miami’s single-season passing touchdown record with 29.

The fifth-year senior’s connection with Restrepo was on full display this afternoon. The Broward County native finished his historic day with eight catches, 146 yards and three touchdowns. He is now one catch away from passing Mike Harley for the Miami all-time receptions record.

“They have a unique chemistry,” Cristobal said when talking about the connection between Restrepo and Ward. “They’ll fight like an old couple as well. There’s a competitive edge to both guys.”

One major concern this afternoon for the Hurricanes was the defense. Despite forcing four turnovers from the Duke offense, Miami’s defense on all fronts had a tough showing. 

The UM defense generated just one sack, while allowing 405 yards and 32 points to the Blue Devil offense. Entering today’s game, Duke was near the bottom of the ACC in almost every offensive category. 

The secondary had no answer for junior wideout Sahmir Hagans, who caught nine passes for 139 yards and one touchdown. Miami’s defense will need to prove with postseason play approaching.

Murphy was inconsistent in the loss against Miami. The redshirt sophomore threw for 325 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 61 percent of his passes.

Redshirt senior defensive lineman Tyler Baron and junior defensive back Jadais Richard tackle Duke redshirt freshman wide receiver Que’Sean Brown in the fourth quarter of Miami’s game against Duke at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Photo Credit: Alexandra Fisher, Co-Photo Editor

Miami was off to a hot start to open the game. On second down, Ward escaped pressure in the pocket, rolled out to his right and rifled a ball in the back of the endzone. The ball was tipped by Duke’s Terry Moore and landed in the hands of Restrepo, giving UM an early 7-0 lead. 

Ward started the game completing five of his seven passes for 72 yards and a touchdown.

After a Mishael Powell interception, Miami’s rushing attack led by Mark Fletcher Jr. and Damien Martinez got the ’Canes into the red zone. 

Fletcher and Martinez combined for 23 carries, 131 yards and one touchdown in the victory on Saturday.

On second and goal, Ward rolled out and found a wide open Cam McCormick for the touchdown. The eighth-year senior’s third touchdown of the season got UM out to an early 14-0 lead.

Following a Miami three-and-out, Duke got the ball rolling on offense. Murphy led the Blue Devils on a four-play, 85-yard drive in 55 seconds. That touchdown was the start of four consecutive touchdown drives for the Blue Devils.

Miami is now 3-0 this season when trailing by double digits this season and 9-0 for the first time since 2017.

The Hurricanes will travel to Atlanta to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-4, 3-3 ACC) on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Bobby Dodd Stadium. There is no time set for the game at this moment.

Game of the Year: Miami volleyball defeats No. 5 Stanford in a nail-biting, 5-set match

Max Diaz
-
0
Game of the Year: Miami volleyball defeats No. 5 Stanford in a nail-biting, 5-set match

It was a packed house at Knight Sports Complex, filled with hundreds of fans yelling, cheering, clapping, stomping, singing and dancing along to “Swag Surfin” in the late sets. All of them were witnessing one of the greatest college volleyball games of 2024. On Friday night, No. 5 Stanford traveled to Knight Sports Complex in Coral Gables to face Miami in their first match-up with Stanford as ACC members. The match was a battle the whole way through, with UM coming out on top in the end.

The final scores of the match were 18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 31-29 and 16-14 with the ’Canes, in total, tallying 73 kills, 61 digs, six service aces and nine blocks. Miami’s star of the match was sensational sophomore Grace Lopez, who tallied an eye-opening 27 kills, along with 13 digs and three blocks. In addition to Lopez, junior Flormarie Heredia Colon had a great performance with 17 kills, 11 digs and a block, and redshirt freshman Ariana Rodriguez managed to tally three aces.

The first set of the match did not go the Hurricanes’ way; however, it did start off well for them when they were leading 14-12 after a kill by junior Dalia Wilson. Right after that, Stanford went on a 5-0 run to take a 17-14 lead. While Miami did try to fight its way back in the set, the Cardinal maintained their advantage for the remainder of the set and finished it off with a kill by junior Elia Rubin to secure a 25-18 set win.

Sophomore opposite hitter Grace Lopez swings against Standford in the 3rd set of Miami’s 3-2 win at the Knight Sports Complex on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.

Photo Credit: Sophia Metzner, contributing photographer

Set two started off as good as can be for the ‘Canes, as they came out the gates on fire with a dominating 15-5 lead. Their opening half of the set featured an ace each by Rodriguez, sophomore Ava Carney, and junior Milana Moisio. Despite Miami’s large lead, Stanford managed a comeback to put it within one late with a score of 22-21. Even though Stanford had all the momentum after its comeback, the Hurricanes managed to end the set on a 3-0 run with a kill by Heredia Colon and an ace by Rodriguez to give Miami the 25-21 set victory. This tied up the match at one set apiece.

The third set did not start as well for Miami, with the Cardinal getting out to a 10-3 lead. The ’Canes managed to make a partial comeback, getting the score within two, with Stanford now only having a 12-10 lead. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, that would be the closest they got to Stanford for the remainder of the set. 

A late kill by Carney gave Miami some hope with the score at 24-20. However, on the very next point, the set ended on a sour note, with senior Yaidaliz Rosado hitting the ball into the net on her serve, giving Stanford a 25-20 victory off of a service error and putting it only a set win away from match victory. 

Next up was the fourth set – arguably Miami’s most exciting of the entire season. The set started off in Stanford’s favor, as it led 7-3 after an ace by freshman Taylor Yu. Miami then won five of the next six points to tie up the set at eight. The set remained neck-and-neck for a while, with Miami only leading by one after a kill by Wilson to make the score 17-16. 

Though it remained close for the rest of the set, the ’Canes were in trouble late after four straight points by Stanford, featuring an ace by Rubin and kills by senior Sami Francis and redshirt freshman Ipar Kurt to put Stanford a point away from victory at a score of 24-22. 

Miami did not back down, as it tied up the score after a service error by Rubin and a kill by Carney to send the set into extra points. The next six points were back-and-forth, with Miami tying Stanford to keep the match going three times. 

Junior libero Milana Moisio serves in the 4th set of Miami’s 3-2 win over Standford at the Knight Sports Complex on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Sophia Metzner, contributing photographer

Then, thanks to a kill by Lopez, Miami finally gained a lead at 28-27. The crowd was going crazy. Fans were on their feet, making the gym almost as loud as Hard Rock Stadium for Miami football’s recent game against Florida State. After a timeout, Stanford tied it up, but redshirt freshman Bianka Lulić gained a kill right after to once again give the Hurricanes the lead. 

Stanford tied it up after a kill by Francis to make it 29 for both sides. Finally, Miami finished off the set with a kill by Lopez and an error by Stanford gave the ‘Canes a 31-29 set victory and sent the match into the final set.

Fans and players alike were pumped up but exhausted. There was just one set left to decide the match. Nearly halfway through the fifth set, it was tied up at seven after a kill by Lopez. The set remained close, but Miami came within a point of victory after back-to-back kills by Carney and Lopez made the score 14-13. Stanford managed to slightly extend the set when it tied it up on the next point, but the ’Canes finished off with a kill by Heredia Colon to give them a 16-14 set win as well as the 3-2 match victory.

After this impressive victory, the Hurricanes improved to 15-7 on the season with an ACC record of 6-5. They also now have three ranked victories this season, with two of them against teams in the top five, as Miami defeated No. 1 Texas on Sept. 7. After this upset, Stanford falls to 16-4 on the season with an 8-3 ACC record. For their next match, the ’Canes will stay at home to face the California Golden Bears (10-13, 2-9 ACC) on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.

‘Canes drop season finale 1-0 to No. 6 Florida State

Drew Goyer
-
0
‘Canes drop season finale 1-0 to No. 6 Florida State

Mere inches determined the fate of the Miami Hurricanes soccer team (5-8-4) in their season finale as they fell to vaunted rival #6 Florida State (12-2-2), 1-0, on a breezy Halloween night at Cobb Stadium in Coral Gables.

Florida State dominated possession throughout the first half, and the Seminoles were able to get a couple of quality looks during the period. First, in the 16th minute, Marianyela Jimenez fired a shot across the middle which was saved by goalkeeper Claireese Foley for the Hurricanes. Seven minutes later, an astute shot came off the foot of Solai Washington for the Seminoles but Foley was able to make a miraculous save at the last minute to keep the game knotted at 0-0.

A first half attempt from deep past the box sailed wide of the goal for Hurricanes star freshman Giovana Canali in the 26th minute. This came off of a counterattack due to a Seminoles turnover, which Miami could not create enough of throughout the game’s duration.

The seemingly never ending possessions for the Seminoles ultimately hurt the Hurricanes in the 41st minute, when Wrianna Hudson took a deflected assist from Camille Ashe and sent the ball into the back of the net. Standing at a height of 6 feet 2 inches, Hudson caused problems for Hurricanes defenders all night as she lurked in the box, waiting to strike.

As Miami went into halftime trailing 1-0, they came out with urgency. Eleven minutes into the half, Canali took a free kick and narrowly missed the net, with the ball clanking off of the crossbar just inches from resulting in the tying goal. This would be the last legitimate scoring opportunity for either team the rest of the way, with Florida State controlling the possession for most of the second half.

It was perhaps not the end that Miami had in sight, but head coach Ken Masuhr spoke to Hurricanes Athletics about the gratitude he had for the season and his players.

“First, I would like to thank all of the seniors and graduate students who have played their final games here at Cobb Stadium. I am disappointed to see the season finish, but am often reminded how far this team has come. I am grateful for the fans and all of our supporters here tonight and while we didn’t get the result, we certainly gave Florida State everything we had.”

It was certainly an impressive feat for Miami to hold the number six team in the country to one goal, especially with their offense being one of the most explosive in the ACC. Miami has built some momentum as they head into next season, where they hope to build into an ACC powerhouse program in the years to come.

1...152153154...2,127Page 153 of 2,127