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Heel up for Girl Gains’ charity walk

Charlotte Schuyler
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Heel up for Girl Gains’ charity walk

Girl Gains and UM’s National Council of Negro Women will lace up — or heel up — for a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”  on Saturday, March 21 from noon to 1 p.m. 

The campus-wide walk taking place from Mahoney-Pearson to the Cox Science Building will support the women of Lotus House Women’s Shelter in Overtown.

Participants can donate professional clothing and everyday shoes to the shelter at the event. The donations help Lotus House, the largest women’s homeless shelter in the country, continue to promote self-sufficiency and empowerment in their residents.

The Miami-based organization also provides housing, resources and support services to women and children experiencing homelessness, making each donated item a tangible extension of the walk itself.

Girl Gains, a student organization that promotes women’s empowerment through fitness and community-building events, sees this collaboration as an opportunity to extend its mission beyond the gym. 

By partnering with NCNW, the event bridges advocacy, service and student engagement.

“This collaboration lets our members show up, learn, and stand beside an organization actively fighting for safety, dignity, and opportunity for women,” Amanda Drobes, the president of Girl Gains, said.

The walk is designed to be a public demonstration of solidarity with all participants encouraged to wear purple and, for those willing, to do the walk in heels. 

The dress code carries a serious message: walking in someone else’s shoes, even symbolically, can make participants and passerbyers think about barriers many women face every day.

“[Wearing heels can] create a small sense of imbalance and awareness, and even a short walk becomes noticeably harder,” Drobes said. “That physical experience helps people better understand how many women move through public spaces with extra caution every day.”

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” blends awareness with action. It invites students to step outside their routines, connect with other campus organizations and contribute to a local cause in a tangible way.

Whether you donate a pair of flats or show up in purple, the message is simple: walk with purpose.

“From a Girl Gains perspective, empowerment isn’t only about confidence in fitness,” Drobes said. “It’s about creating an environment where women feel comfortable, respected and able to exist without fear.”

The dual life of a student DJ

Ate'sia Wallace
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The dual life of a student DJ

Pitchers clink, voices rise and hips sway as students sing “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull in unison. At the center of the room, student DJ Kallia Sideraki bobs her head, swaying to the beat. 

Known for rocking jeans and a trendy soccer jersey, Siderakis sets the tone for unforgettable nights. By day, she is a physical therapy major at the University of Miami. By night, she spins soundtracks at the Rathskeller every other Thursday. 

“I’ve always wanted to do so many things. When I was a kid, I would say I wanted to be a ninja who plays basketball and DJs,” Siderakis said. 

Her journey into DJing began in high school when her TikTok feed got flooded with DJ mixes. She then told her mother how she wanted a turntable, and that’s where it all began. 

“I always knew she was gonna ask for [the turntable] down the line,” her mother said. “I love seeing her in her element.”

Music has always been a big part of Siderakis’ life. Born in Queens, N.Y., she recalled growing up hearing Frank Sinatra’s song “New York, New York.” Now, she brings her love for music to the University’s on-campus sports bar every other Thursday.

“Her music is really viby, she really knows how to bring great energy and sounds on Thursdays,” Jasmine Chen, a Rathskeller employee, said. 

Balancing school and music is one challenge, but navigating the DJ industry as a woman adds a new layer. 

She’s used to raising eyebrows and people asking her, “You’re the DJ?!” in a surprised tone, before she can even get to the booth. 

Siderakis just lets the music speak for her. In the past, when she was booked through others — whether clients or the president of the EQ Collective club — she was typically scheduled for opening time slots, when attendance was minimal.

Those familiar with her work, she said, see gender as the only difference between her and other DJs at the same skill set.

“Some people can’t even see past me being a girl that I’m probably a little bit more advanced, more skilled than these other people,” Siderakis said. 

She recalled a time when she got to a club located in Greece and they glanced at her and said, “The line starts back there.” When she told them she was the DJ, they were shocked. 

“I continue to master my craft so I can back my talk with a crazy set,”  Siderakis  said. “Staying in my lane and just letting everybody see what I can do.” 

And, her sets and the crowds she draws at the Ratskeller speak for themself.

“Thursdays are the busiest days at the Rat and the main reason is because of her,” Nathanael Scheer, another Ratskeller student employee, said.  “Even in this male-dominated space, she’s holding her own.”

Her presence is a reminder that women can own the stage, sound and moment. 

Want Kaillia to be your DJ? She’s open for gigs at ksiderakis@aol.com. Otherwise, catch her every other Thursday night at the Rathskeller.

Auditions for Frost School of Music: Do you have what it takes?

Ariana Glaser
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Auditions for Frost School of Music: Do you have what it takes?

Hundreds of prospective first-year students from all over the world audition for UM’s highly-competitive Frost School of Music each year. 

With several Grammy Award-winning alumni, a 91% post-graduation job placement rate and a mention in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2022 World’s Best Music schools list, the Frost School of Music has become a dream school for many hopeful music majors. 

Lóren Littlejohn — a senior jazz trumpet player — remembers his Frost audition as something out of a movie. Littlejohn watched with wide, mesmerized eyes as the Frost Band of the Hour performed, stunned by the sheer size of Gusman Hall. From the moment he arrived on campus, he knew Frost was the place for him.

Now, as President of the Frost Ambassadors program, Littlejohn strives to make prospective students feel welcome. 

“I give back by making the audition process light-hearted and fun for the auditionees,” said Littlejohn. “The audition process can be overwhelming, and I do everything in my power to make it a wonderful experience for Frost’s prospective students.”

Annual undergraduate auditions take place in December and February. Roughly equal numbers of prospective students audition in the fall and spring. 

Frost is the one and only UM school that does not allow students to apply under early decision. Prospective students can only apply under early action or by the regular deadline to Frost due to the time-consuming audition process.

All students — except those applying to the bachelor of arts in music industry — are required to submit a prescreen video in accordance with Frost’s requirements. Prospective contemporary songwriters, must submit video recordings of three original songs, while jazz pianists must submit video recordings of four standards. Certain specialized programs — such as composition or music engineering — require portfolios. 

After submitting their prescreens, select students are invited to an in-person audition. 

What sets Frost apart from other music schools is that an audition day at UM is more than a quick in-and-out performance. Applicants and their families are welcomed to campus with live performances, Q&A sessions and campus tours. 

“Welcoming the applicants and their families to campus to show them what makes Frost so special has such an impact on applicants envisioning what their four-year college experience could look like at [UM],” Frost Director of Admissions Dominic Castillejo said.

For the Frost Admissions team, audition season marks the culmination of a six-month-long recruitment tour across the United States. Decked out in Frost green while carrying bags filled with promotional pamphlets, Frost recruiters visit college fairs, high schools and summer music camps in an effort to introduce potential students to UM.    

“It is so exciting to see that applicant we met at a college fair in Texas or at a high school visit in California step foot on our campus and see the magic that the University of Miami and the Frost School of Music offer that can’t be found anywhere else,” Castillejo said. 

College auditions are often one of the most trying experiences in a young musician’s life, but current Frost students, faculty and staff strive to make the process as seamless as possible. 

Ask anyone who’s gone through the process, and their advice is simple: come prepared and prove your passion and you’ll end up where you’re meant to be. 

“You are here for a reason: someone at the school believes in you and thinks you would be a good fit at [Frost],” Frost Ambassadors Vice President Zoë Latanision said. “You have done all the work to get where you are today. Take a deep breath before you go in, and be yourself. They want to see you and who you are. You got this.”

See UM junior and influencer Lauren Barnwell’s film debut: ‘Turning 21’

Bri Pearson
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See UM junior and influencer Lauren Barnwell’s film debut: ‘Turning 21’

Lauren Barnwell throws 110% into everything she does. She pours herself fully into each project she takes on — from her coursework, her content and, of course, the celebration of turning 21.

While many soon-to-be 21-year-olds might celebrate with a night out or a brunch in South Beach, Barnwell took a different approach.What began as simple 21st birthday content for TikTok became an entire film production. Now, Barnwell’s birthday is turning into a short film called “Turning 21” that premieres this March.

Barnwell, a junior at the University of Miami, spent last December assembling a production crew, writing a 30‑page script and preparing to film a short movie across Miami with her closest friends.

“I just decided to turn my birthday into a movie,” Barnwell said, as if that was the most natural sentence in the world.

Barnwell is a double major in political science and Spanish, double minoring in business law and sports administration. She has an academic load that leaves little room for time to produce a film. But, her real engine is her online presence.

Across TikTok and Instagram, Barnwell has amassed more than 500,000 followers and built a platform rooted in humor, confidence and the kind of “come live life to the fullest with me” energy. 

Her content showcasing her party‑girl glam, Miami lifestyle and chaotic storytelling has earned her a loyal following and a steady stream of brand opportunities. So, when she started receiving alcohol‑brand emails that she couldn’t accept until she turned 21, something clicked.

Barnwell has coined her 21st on film a “monumentary,” a hybrid of scripted comedy and real‑life chaos. It’s inspired by iconic comedies but has a twist: It’s told through the lens of a group of college women without relying on the tired tropes that usually follow female‑led comedies.

She wants her film to be different from other female-lead comedy films, such as “Girls Trip” and “What Men Want,” that she feels have sexual, written-by-men dialogue.

She watched  “The Hangover” and “Project X” six times each, and built a plot for her film that feels both familiar and fresh.

In “Turning 21,” Barnwell plays herself and wants a calm, grown‑up weekend for her 21st birthday. Her friends want the opposite. 

When they learn their favorite Miami club is closing for renovations, the girls orchestrate a night so wild it derails the original plan of a “chill, mature” weekend, including the luxurious boat day they’re supposed to make the next morning.

“Our chill weekend goes wrong,” Barnwell said as she summed up the film’s premise. “ The only thing left to do is have a crazy f—ing night and pray we make it to this boat.” 

The film blends scripted beats with real reactions, fourth‑wall breaks and background gags. It’s fast-paced, self-aware and intentionally messy. Exactly the kind of humor that lands especially well with college women who love a little bit of chaos and aren’t afraid to laugh at the unhinged parts of life.

The movie may be pure chaos, but the premiere is full-blown spectacle. Barnwell teamed up with an influencer and production coordinator to create what she calls her, “A‑list event.” Think Hollywood premiere, but pink. Very pink.

There will be a pink carpet,  massive branded backdrop and a six‑foot cutout of Barnwell in a martini glass. Also frozen‑yogurt chocolate martinis from a sponsor.

Photographers, press and 15-20 influencers, with a combined following around 100 million, are going to the invite-only premiere. It’s the kind of event that signals Barnwell isn’t just making content, she’s showing her brand to the world.

Barnwell says a UM screening will follow after spring break, giving students a chance to see the film once the premiere buzz settles. After the premiere, the film will officially release on YouTube in the first half of March, giving Barnwell’s followers — and, of course, anyone who has impeccable taste — a chance to watch.

For her longtime followers, Barnwell hopes the film delivers the same feeling her TikToks do: If she can do it, you can do it.

“Seeing you live your life made me start to live mine,” is a comment Barnwell says resonated deeply, and she hopes the movie amplifies that energy ten-fold.

For newcomers, she hopes the film sparks curiosity, not just about “Turning 21,” but about what she might do next.

“This might not be the door,” Barnwell said.  “But I hope it’s the door into the right room.”

Barnwell calls the film a birthday gift to herself and something she will hold onto long after the pink carpet is rolled up and the social media comments start rolling in. 

But, she also made it for the people who’ve been watching her grow online, the ones who see pieces of themselves in her chaos, her confidence and her willingness to try something big just because she can. She wants them to laugh, to feel seen and to walk away thinking they could make something bold too.

And if there are critics? Barnwell is not losing sleep over them.

“Don’t tell me, she said. “Lie right to my face and talk about it behind my back.”Follow @turning21 on Instagram to stay turned and watch the trailer for “Turning 21” on Barnwell’s Youtube channel: @laurenbarnwell.

Canes men’s tennis drops second ACC match to Notre Dame in a 4-0 sweep

Harrison Steinberg
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Canes men’s tennis drops second ACC match to Notre Dame in a 4-0 sweep

The University of Miami men’s tennis team (7-5, 0-2 ACC) fell 4-0 to Notre Dame (11-2, 2-0 ACC), dropping its second consecutive match and still searching for its first road win.

Entering the match the Fighting Irish were ranked No. 17 in the ITA rankings while Miami was ranked No. 58. 

No. 14 Sebastian Dominko and No. 72 Perry Gregg led the way for the Fighting Irish, setting the tone from the start.

In the doubles matches, Notre Dame swept 2-0 to secure the first point. 

The duo of Gregg and Luis Llorens Saracho took down Miami’s Jules Garot and Rafael Segado, 6-2, while Noah Beckner and Nicholas Patrick (ND) defeated Saud Alhogbani and Nacho Serra Sanchez (UM) in straight sets. Dominko and Peter Nad’s match against Miami’s Antonio Prat and Jakub Kroslak was unfinished at 5-5.

In the singles round on court five, Notre Dame’s Kyran Mahimay toppled Alhogbani in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. On court six, Saracho and Garot went to a second set tiebreak. Saracho won the first set and in the second, Garot was unable to fight back as the Fighting Irish took the court 6-3, 7-6 (7-3). To clinch the match on court two, Gregg secured a 7-6, 6-2 win over Sanchez.

The rest of the matches were left unfinished, with all being in a third set tiebreak. Dominko and No. 100 Prat were tied 2-2, Notre Dame’s Guiseppe Cerasuolo led Jakub Kroslak 2-1, and Nad was trailing against Segado 0-1.

If Garot was able to bring it to a third set, it could’ve been a very different story with three Canes matches in a third set ten-point tiebreak.

This marks an 0-2 start for Miami in conference play as UM looks to bounce back for its first home ACC match against Wake Forest at 12 p.m. Sunday, March 6.

Stop speeding across campus — you’re killing animals

Ariana Glaser
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Stop speeding across campus — you’re killing animals

Take a walk across campus, and you’re bound to find maimed animals — and the reckless drivers speeding through campus are strongly to blame.

Throughout the course of one school day, UM freshman Charlotte Allen saw three different dead baby ducklings in campus parking lots and garages. On the way back to her dorm, she found one duckling run over outside of Centennial Village. Then, in the parking garage behind Mahoney-Pearson, she saw two more deceased ducklings.

“You could literally tell that they were walking in a line behind their mom, and then they just got run over by a car,” said Allen. “It was just really, really sad. I started crying.”

It isn’t the first time Allen has seen something like this. Just before winter break, she spotted one duckling that had just been run over. Its mom and sibling stood by the duckling, seemingly waiting for it to wake up.

Florida is known for its reckless drivers, and Miami just might be the worst. A recent study conducted by Lemon Law Experts found that Miami has “the worst drivers in the United States.”

While the posted speed limit on campus is 15 mph unless otherwise noted, it’s not uncommon to see campus visitors, students and staff driving far faster than is necessary or safe.

In a statement to The Miami Hurricane, the University of Miami reaffirmed UMPD’s commitment to campus safety, naming speeding as “a significant hazard” particularly in high-traffic pedestrian areas.

“UMPD enforces traffic laws through education, prevention, and patrols aimed at reducing crashes and promoting responsible driving, not simply issuing citations,” wrote UM. “All traffic incidents involving injuries to people or animals are taken seriously and fully investigated.”

Animals may be the main collateral from near or on-campus speeding, but students are just as much at risk. In the very first week of the 2025/2026 school year, two freshmen were struck by a car on US Route 1 — and just this month, a skateboarder was hit by a gray Honda near the Watsco Center.

The Coral Gables campus is small, making it easily walkable, and easy to leisurely drive through. Speeding through campus might get you to class a little earlier, but it’s not worth the life of any living creature.
Our campus critters are just as integral a part of the University of Miami community as the student body, and it’s time we start treating them as such.

UM community members can report reckless behavior by calling 305-284-6666.

Pata Trial Nears Verdict, Greek Week Wraps and MBB Dominates BC

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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The Bryan Pata murder trial moves closer to a verdict nearly 20 years after his death. A therapy app sparks controversy after referencing a campus shuttle crash in its marketing. Greek Week unites 33 chapters in fundraising for the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. Plus, Miami men’s basketball secures a dominant win over Boston College, and the Hurricanes’ track and field team shines at the ACC Indoor Championships.

Hurricanes WBB suffer 30-point loss to Georgia Tech in season finale, 79-49

Zach Cohen
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Hurricanes WBB suffer 30-point loss to Georgia Tech in season finale, 79-49

The Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball team were riding high on a four-game win streak, looking to end the regular season strong. However, the Canes suffered a reality check against Georgia Tech at the McCamish Pavillion Sunday afternoon, losing 79-49. 

Two sophomore guards scored in double figures for Miami. Gal Raviv put up 11 while Ahnay Adams had 10. 

UM could not stop Georgia Tech’s Talayah Walker. The guard tied her career high in points with 33. 

Miami center Ra Shaya Kyle put up seven rebounds despite the team being out rebounded 42-38. They also shot a lackluster 4-for-21 from three-point range.

Georgia Tech shot 47% from the field compared to Miami’s 31%

The Yellow Jackets started out the game strong, scoring the first seven points and holding Miami scoreless for almost two minutes. 

Walker put up 10 early points in less than five minutes which led to a 21-10 GT lead. Coming out of the first quarter media timeout, the Yellow Jackets continued to run the floor going on a 12-0 run. After one, Miami trailed 26-12.

Similarly to the first quarter, GT opened the second with two baskets. Adams countered that with a three-pointer to get Miami’s offense going. The three-pointer rejuvenated the team as they played tougher defense. 

UM forced five turnovers, including two steals from Adams. Despite the spirited defensive effort, Miami trailed 45-24 at halftime. Walker scored 20 of her 33 points in the first half.

Photographer Bella Ochoa // Graduate student center Ra Shaya Kyle takes it to the basket against Pittsburgh on Feb. 26, 2026 at Watsco

The Hurricanes nailed the first basket of the second half. Momentum quickly swung to the side of Georgia Tech as it went on on a 8-0 run to extend its lead 53-26. 

The Yellow Jackets continued to cruise, moving their advantage to as much as 39 points at 70-31. Miami got on the board just before the buzzer sounded to make it a 70-33 game.

Down 37, Miami would have to pull off a miracle to come back. No matter the score, the Hurricanes continued to compete. They went on a 12-1 run midway through the fourth quarter. 

The spirited run was not enough as Georgia Tech would go on to win its Senior Night game, 79-49.

Miami will look to shake off a rough game and set its eyes on the ACC Tournament.

UM will travel to Duluth, Ga. to face Stanford in the first round of the tournament on March 4 at 11 a.m. The tournament will be held at Gas South Arena.

Hurricanes Track and Field shines at ACC Championships

Shea Mcdonald
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Hurricanes Track and Field shines at ACC Championships

”We Can Go and Do Something Special in the ACC”, those were the words uttered by junior sprinter Ace Malone in an interview before Miami traveled to Boston for the ACC championships.

He was proven right, Hurricanes Track and Field was all over The Track at New Balance in Boston.

Throughout the weekend the Hurricanes made a statement at the ACC Indoor Championships taking home four gold medals.

Starting off with Malone he was a part of two of those gold medal performances both coming on Saturday. On Friday Malone set the school record in the prelims for the 400m. Then in the finals matched that time again at 45.41 seconds to take home gold in the event becoming the first Hurricane ever to win an ACC Championship in the 400m. Malone was joined by George Franks whose time of 46.01 landed him on the podium at third. 

Malone and Franks just a few hours later were back at it again in the 4×400 relay. Down by a few tenths of a second going into the final lap, Malone was trusted as the anchor to take the Canes through the end. With a split of 45.18 he gave Miami the boost they needed to take home their second gold of the Saturday and final gold of the weekend. 

The women weren’t far behind in their 4×400 run to close out the weekend. The group of Serena Tate, Gabriella Grissom, Nandy Kihuyu and Sanaa Hebron took the silver medal with a time of 3:31.10 improving on the group’s second place mark in Hurricane’s history. 

That wasn’t the only success Miami received over the course of the weekend. Day one was about as exciting for Miami with a strong showing in the field. Women’s weight throw had the podium covered in orange and green as (in this order) Tania Da Silva, Jocelyn Pringle, and Calea Jackson swept the podium. Da Silva went into her final throw in fourth but with a throw of 21.78m she boosted herself to the top of the podium taking gold in the weight throw for the first time since Debbia Ajagbe in 2020. Rounding out the podium Pringle’s throw of 21.54m was the program’s third longest and personal best for Pringle. Jackson’s throw of 21.39m for bronze was also a personal best. 

Last but not least for the Hurricanes to land gold, it was again Miami’s do it all star Edgar Campre taking home his second ACC Heptathlon title last winning in 2024. Throughout the weekend Edgar won in three of the seven events, the 60m hurdles, the long jump, and shot put, taking second in the regular 60m. 

Aside from the gold medal winners Miami put on some impressive performances throughout the weekend. 

On Thursday Kennedy Sauder earned bronze in the men’s high jump with a clearance of 2.11m. In the men’s weight throw both Desmond Coleman and Heath Vernor improved on their respective fourth and fifth best throw marks in school history. Friday saw five  Hurricanes fight their way into the finals. Sanaa Hebron and Nandy Kihuyu in the women’s 400m, Natalie Varela and Gabriella Grissom in the women’s 800m, and a new personal best from Ashton Torns in the 60m for the men. Then Saturday, Adriana Kruzmane earned silver in the women’s triple jump with a 13.11 mark, now fifth all time in program history and Lauren Kirby set a new personal best in the shot put. 

Overall after a productive weekend Miami women’s team stood at 62 points, fourth best in the ACC and the men at 49, sixth best. 

Together Miami held 111 points, good for the third most in the conference barely edging out the University of Virginia. 

Next up for the Hurricanes is the indoor National Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. as Miami is set up to have a good amount of representation with their performance throughout this last weekend.

Takeaways from Miami’s rain-shortened reality check against No.10 Florida

Sebastian Font
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Takeaways from Miami’s rain-shortened reality check against No.10 Florida

The Florida Gators have dominated the Miami Hurricanes in baseball over the past two decades, winning 16 of the last 20 series. 

Hurricane fans often looked towards this annual series with utter disdain, but this year had a bit of hope as the Canes came into the series undefeated at 10-0.

But that hope was short-lived, as the No. 10 Gators stamped their authority over Miami for the fifth-straight year, securing the series win by taking the opening two games of the series before Sunday’s game was canceled due to rain.

Here’s what we learned about Miami this weekend as Florida took control of the all-time series 138-136-1:

Same old story

Miami came into this matchup as the 17th-ranked team in the country with some of the hottest bats in the nation, racking up an average north of 15 runs per game.

The bats were hot, the vibes were high and it just felt like it was finally Miami’s time to get over its gator-sized hump.

And yet, once UF shortstop Brendan Lawson launched an opposite-field homer in the top of the first inning on Friday, it felt like the series was already over.

UM players looked defeated, played tight and felt overmatched both nights. On multiple occasions, Miami would get runners on, but could never come through to swing the momentum towards the orange and green. 

On the other hand, UF was calm and collected — as if this wasn’t a series it hoped to win, but one it expected to win.

The Canes historically are undoubtedly a “blue-blood” program with four national titles and their names all over the NCAA record books. But for most college-aged fans and recruits, they’ve only seen Miami defeat UF a handful of times in their entire life.

That’s not just a tough stretch, that’s an identity — one that directly impacts recruiting and the overall brand of the program.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ The Hurricanes meet at the mound against Florida on Febrauary 27, 2026.

Bullpens made the difference

For all the negativity surrounding the series as a whole, both games were relatively close.

On Friday night, the game was tied 2-2 heading into the eighth, while on Saturday, the game was tied 4-4 heading into the seventh.

But Florida was able to deal damage against Miami relievers as they launched game-icing home runs on both nights.

The Hurricanes, on the other hand, simply had no answers for Florida’s relievers, who would come in and shut the door. Florida brought in flamethrowers in the form of Jackson Barberi and Joshua Whritenour, who overpowered UM with their fastballs that touched 100 mph consistently.

While such talent would’ve been revered on the Miami side, the Canes would’ve also appreciated their consistency. In five innings of work, Miami’s relievers allowed eight runs and seven walks. 

The backend of this Hurricane bullpen must improve heading into ACC play next weekend against Boston College. 

Starters shine

Arguably the only positives from this weekend were Miami’s starting pitchers AJ Ciscar and Rob Evans.

The Hurricane starters took care of business in their appearances over the last few weeks, but that was against subpar competition in Lehigh and Lafayette. 

A key focus heading into this weekend was whether or not they could raise their game to match Florida’s offense.

And they did just that.

Ciscar surgically worked his way through UF’s lineup on Friday, generating plenty of weak contact while not allowing a single walk through seven innings of work. 

Evans answered the call as well on Saturday. Putting aside his adventurous second inning where he gave up four runs on five hits, the New York native carved up Florida hitters at will, tallying up 12 strikeouts — the most from a Hurricane starter since Gage Ziehl struck out 15 in 2024.

If Miami’s starters can continue to give their offense a chance, the bats will come around and make this Hurricane team a real force in the ACC.

Miami delivers 76-54 drubbing of Boston College, blowing out Eagles in convincing season sweep

Liam Hickey
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Miami delivers 76-54 drubbing of Boston College, blowing out Eagles in convincing season sweep

Just 21 days ago, Miami was tied with Boston College with 3:50 left in the second half, fighting for their lives to escape with a narrow win on the road.

Now, just three weeks later at that same time, only two Canes starters remained on the floor as UM cruised to a 22-point rout over the Eagles, their largest margin of victory in an ACC contest since 2023. 

The Hurricanes (23-6, 12-4 ACC) showed no mercy to BC (10-19, 3-13 ACC), whose blistering defensive display held the Eagles to only 54 points — the fewest allowed to any conference opponent in over two years. 

Miami’s end-to-end dominance was reflected in the box score, stuffing the stat sheet in virtually every key offensive and defensive category.

The Canes destroyed Boston College on the glass and in the turnover margin, dictating play in both rebounding and points in the paint. 

Most notably, they forced a season-high 18 turnovers and 14 steals, capitalizing with 22 points scored off of BC’s numerous miscues. 
Miami used a strong first-half to bury Boston College away before the second half even began.

After giving up an early 13-6 lead to the visitors, Miami responded by going on a 30-6 run to close out the first frame, allowing just one basket in the last eight minutes to take a 36-19 advantage at the break. The Eagles missed 12-of-13 shots in one stretch. 

The Hurricanes kept the momentum rolling over the final 20 minutes, leaning on standout performances off the bench from Tru Washington and Noem Dovrat to secure the season sweep over BC for the first time since 2021-22. 

Washington posted 14 points in his newfound role as Miami’s sixth man, nabbing a career-high six steals along with a team-best plus-30 rating. 

Brian Mulvey Photo Editor // Junior Guard Tru Washington remains focused against Boston College on Feb. 28, 2026.

The Israeli guard Dovrat dazzled in the reserve unit, setting a season-high 12 points while going 4-for-5 from three-point range in his limited action. 

Dovrat spoke to the media postgame about his record outing. 

“I know my role on the team is to shoot the ball, especially outside the three-point line,” Dovrat said. “So I just came in and shot it. I have the confidence from the coach, from my teammates. Whenever I’m open, I just shoot it. Shots just fell in today.”

With its 23rd victory on the year, UM’s 2025-26 campaign under first-year head coach Jai Lucas has now officially been cemented as the fourth-best regular season in program history. 

The 16-win improvement from the Canes’ 7-24 record in 2024-25 also means that Lucas has now executed the greatest single-season turnaround of any Division I school this year.

Despite the unprecedented success, Lucas continues to demand more from his team heading into March. His insatiable hunger for excellence came across in his messages to the media after the game.

“One thing I was telling the guys after the game is going into March, you have to continue to develop a killer instinct where you get these leads and these moments where you can go from 10 to 15, or 15 to 20,” Lucas said. “You have to be able to sustain the lead. You can’t just give and take. So we’ve got to do a better job of closing down the stretch.”

At 23-6 with two regular-season games remaining, Miami is essentially guaranteed an NCAA Tournament berth, currently projected as a No. 8 seed.

Up next, the Canes will look to clinch a double-bye in the upcoming ACC tournament with a win at SMU (19-10, 8-8 ACC) on Wednesday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. ET in Dallas on ACC Network. 

Brian Mulvey Photo Editor // Senior Center Ernest Udeh Jr. interlocks arms at the net against Boston College on Feb. 28, 2026.

No. 10 Gators spoil Rob Evans career-high 12 strikeouts, defeat No.17 Miami 8-4.

Zach Cohen
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No. 10 Gators spoil Rob Evans career-high 12 strikeouts, defeat No.17 Miami 8-4.

With two outs and the bases loaded, Miami reliever Ryan Bilka thought he escaped the jam with a tie ballgame still intact as center fielder Mikey Torres recorded the final out of the inning.

But just as he crossed the first baseline to head back to the Hurricane dugout, the umpires gathered on the mound and called a balk on Bilka, negating the final out and pushing forward all the runners 90 feet — giving the Gators a one-run lead they’d ride the momentum into a 8-4 win.

The call sent Canes fans into a fury as boos and expletives rained down on Mark Light Field, overshadowing a spectacular night of baseball from both sides from start to finish.

In the bottom of the first, with two outs and runners on the corners courtesy of multiple errors, senior outfielder Derek Williams pimped a three-run shot to left-center field for the first runs of the game.

The blast marked Williams’ fifth homer on the young season, combining his power output with an impressive .550 average.

But Florida (11-1) did not waste any time coming back. 

In the second inning the Gators put up four runs on five hits, with three consecutive hits to start the inning. 

However, the inning marked the only hits Miami starter Rob Evans would give up during his outing.

Making his second start this season, the lefty racked up 12 strikeouts through six innings with seven of those coming in a row between the third and fifth innings.

Every time he left the bump after an inning of work, he looked towards the Miami bullpen and let out an infectious roar. 

One thing is clear, rivalry games mean more. 

On the other side, Florida’s Aidan King didn’t have the same success. The sophomore righty only went 2.1 innings after being pulled in the third with a presumed hand injury. The ball was turned over to relief arm Ricky Reeth who calmly worked through the fourth.

Torres’ speed paid dividends in the fifth. 

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ Sophomore Outfiled Micahel Torres runs towards first base against Florida on Febrauary 27, 2026.

After whacking a double down the left field line, Torres advanced to third on a passed ball. Now standing 90 feet from home, Cuvet hit a shallow fly ball to center field. Florida center fielder Kyle Jones threw a dot to the catcher but Torres’s speed was no match as he slid into home head first safely tying the score 4-4 through five innings of play.

Miami head coach J.D. Arteaga let Evans go to work to start the seventh with his pitch count at 87. After a walk and a hit by pitch to start the inning, Arteaga turned to Richmond transfer Ryan Bilka.

Evans walked off the mound to a standing ovation from 3,555 fans in attendance, the second sold out crowd this weekend.

Through the controversial balk call in the seventh inning, Bilka remained in the game for the eighth inning.

With two runners on, he gave up a two-run home run to Ethan Surowiec, extending the Gators’ lead 8-4.

And just like last night, the Hurricanes bats could not mount a late inning comeback as the flamethrowing Joshua Whritenour closed the game for the blue and orange. 

Florida now has won six straight series against the Hurricanes and has not lost a series at Mark Light Field since 2014. Miami (10-2) will look to spoil a potential Gators sweep and get back in the win column on Sunday. The game is slated to start at 1 p.m. and will air on ACCNX.

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