1. The University of Miami
2. Oklahoma
3. Virginia Tech
4. Ohio State
5. Georgia
6. Notre Dame
7. Texas
8. Washington State
9. NC State
10. Michigan
11. LSU
12. FSU
13. Oregon
14. Iowa
15. USC
16. Tennessee
17. Penn State
18. Alabama
19. Iowa State
20. Air Force
21. Bowling Green
22. Kansas State
23. Colorado
24. Minnesota
25. Arizona State

With the ‘Canes 28-27 victory over the Seminoles two weeks ago, Ken Dorsey put up many personal accolades. Most importantly, he became the first UM quarterback to defeat Florida State three times. He also completed 20-of-45 attempted passes for 362 yards, marking the sixth game in his career in which he has passed for more than 300 yards, and the second time this year. Dorsey also matched his career high in passing yards.

Last year, against FSU, Dorsey completed 14-of-27 attempts for 249 yards.

“Whenever you are coming from behind, you’re going to have to pass the ball a lot more. I don’t mind doing that. If we can throw the ball, we’re going to do that. But if we have to run the ball like 45 times, we’ll do that too,” said Dorsey, who earned Big East Player of the Week for the fifth time in his career after his FSU performance. “It was a great game…we watched the film and we’re going to take a lot away from it; we learned a lot from watching ourselves and what we did wrong. Hopefully we can prevent ourselves from being in the same situation again.”

Competing against Florida State again was a big deal for Dorsey. In the 2000 season, his game against the ‘Noles allowed him to prove his success as a quarterback; and he was able to secure his starting position at UM.

Florida States head coach, Bobby Bowden, stated, “We’ve played against all the great Miami quarterbacks – Kosar, Toretta, Testaverde – all of them. I don’t think any of them are better than Dorsey.”

Commenting on that quote after the game, Dorsey said: “Well I don’t know, ill take that with a grain of salt. All week he refuses to call me by my name and things like that, that’s what you hear from people. But at the same time, to hear that from a guy who’s played against so many different guys not only in our program, but in other programs too, it’s very flattering that he would say something like that.”

Not being able to pin point one wrong thing, that caused the game’s outcome to be known at the very end, Dorsey recognized how the team can try to correct some of the errors.

“We just made key mistakes in key situations,” said Dorsey. “We just got to try to take out those mistakes. Obviously the interceptions hurt; we could at least get the field goals there. And on run-blocking, we would just miss one little move and that would be the difference between a 3-yard gain, and a 40-yard gain.”

As the ‘Canes take the heat to defend their win, some say that they didn’t win, that FSU just lost.

“It was not a lack of effort on our behalf. They can say they should’ve won the game all they want, but the part that matters is that we made the plays when we had to, and they didn’t,” Dorsey said.

When it comes down to the end, Dorsey as well as the rest of the ‘Canes have some regrets to actions during this past match up against the ‘Noles. However they feel that what went wrong can easily be fixed.

“Well, I wouldn’t have thrown two interceptions, that is for sure. But the thing that we’re going to learn from this is basically get back to fundamentals; you know just doing the fundamental things right – throwing, catching, and blocking. And when we get that ironed out, we’ll be in great shape.”

Dorsey, not shaken by the close call, is considerably proud of his team’s ability to continue to be undefeated. He realizes that most people under estimated the match up between Miami and Florida State to just a mere in-state rivalry. Many never thought they would be a threat to the ‘Canes winning streak. More emphasis was put on the upcoming games against Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

“That was a big game for us. Every team in the course of a season has to go through games like that; those are the games that define your season. If you loose those games, you don’t have a very good season, but if you win them, the season looks promising. What we have to remember is that it was a close game, at the same time it was a game we won, and we got to keep plugging along,” said Dorsey with confidence.

Speaking for himself, and as the spokesman of his fellow teammates, Dorsey concluded, “We’re going to take one game at a time, and we are just going to try our best not to be in that situation again. The biggest thing is in the end, just do what you have to do to get the win.”

You can reach Dana Strokovsky at Hoopg1rl6@aol.com.

Miami runners Matt Mulvaney (South Hadley, MA), Dan Boniface (Seattle, WA) and Alex Brutvan (Boca Raton, FL/Pope John Paul II) finished 1-2-3 respectively to lead the University of Miami men’s cross country team to victories over Florida International and Florida Memorial in a three-way dual meet Saturday morning on the UM campus.

Miami, ranked eighth in the South Region by the USCCCA, defeated FIU 19-39 and Florida Memorial 15-46. FIU defeated Florida Memorial 15-56.

Mulvaney, a junior, was the Hurricanes top finisher for the third consecutive race finishing first overall with a time of 25:01. Boniface, a senior, was second (25:13) while Brutvan, a freshman, was third (25:37).

The Hurricanes took five of the top seven spots overall with freshman James Mullaly (Ellicott City, MD) finishing sixth (26:48) and sophomore Bill Bludgus (Bayonne, NJ) finishing seventh (27:07).

For the UM women’s team, Miami sophomore Marilyn Ruiz (Ft. Lauderdale, FL/St. Thomas Aquinas) won her first meet of the season to lead the Hurricanes women’s cross country team to wins over Florida International and Florida Memorial at a three-way dual meet in Coral Gables, FL.

Ruiz, who was UM’s top finisher for the second time in three meets this season, completed the 5,000-meter course in a season-best time of 19:27. Senior Saraque Whittaker (Ft. Lauderdale, FL/St. Thomas Aquinas) finished second with a time of 19:59.

Miami defeated Florida International by a score of 18-49, and Florida Memorial by a score of 15-49. Florida International edged Florida Memorial, 26-30.

Miami had seven runners finish in the top-10 overall including senior Patricia Pearson (Jacksonville, FL) who finished fourth (20:43), senior Megan Dwyer (Havertown, MA) who finished sixth (20:52) and senior Terria Madison (Columbus, GA) who took seventh (20:54).

Freshman Melanie Schultz was eighth (20:59) while junior Christian Delgadillo rounded out the top-10 with a time of 21:19.

Saturday morning’s meet marked the final tune-up for the Hurricanes prior to the BIG EAST Championships, November 1, in Boston, MA.

Information provided by the UM Sports Information Department.

On Friday, the Hurricanes fell in double overtime, 6-5, against cross-divisional opponent Rutgers, Friday, Oct. 18 in Piscataway, NJ. Sophomore forward Britney Butcher opened the game scoring two goals at the 21st and 44th minute of play, giving the Hurricanes a 2-0-halftime lead. Junior forward Vonda Matthews and freshman forward Lindsey Yach were awarded assists on Butcher’s second goal.

However, just over a minute into the second half, Carli Lloyd blasted a free kick past goalkeeper Rachel Elsby cutting Miami’s lead 2-1. Rutgers’ Adrienne Dugandzic tied the game 2-2 at the 50:20 mark, knocking in the equalizer on Lloyd’s cross into the penalty box.

The Hurricanes would retake the lead answering with three consecutive goals in the second half. Senior midfielder Mary Luke beat goalkeeper Christine Caldwell at the 62nd minute of play to give the Hurricanes a 3-2 lead. Miami would take a 5-2 advantage on Matthews’ back-to-back goals, including a blast from 25 yards out and a penalty kick.

However, the Scarlet Knights would make a comeback, scoring three goals in the later stages of the second half to send the game into overtime. Lloyd connected on a pass from Dugandzic at the 76:33 mark to cut the lead, 5-3. Two minutes later Danae Risoli redirected a pass from Dugandzic to the right side, giving the Hurricanes only a one goal lead. Shaban Ashley re-tied the game at 5-5 in the 83rd minute of play on assists from Dugandzic and Risoli.

After a scoreless first overtime period, Rutgers’ Shaban Ashley headed a cross from Risoli into the right side, scoring her second goal of the game and clinching the victory for Rutgers, 6-5. Miami tallied 10 shots, while Rutgers amassed 21. Additionally, Miami was held without a shot in both overtime periods, while Rutgers recorded two in each overtime period.

The Hurricanes were slated to take on Georgetown Sunday afternoon in Washington D.C. However, that game was postponed to a later date. Miami’s record now stands at 9-6-1 with three games remaining before the Big East Tournament.

-Compiled by the Sports Information Department

Intramural Reminders

Ultimate Frisbee Mini-League is brand new this year. The entry deadline is Friday, October 25. The season will last one week and the single elimination tournament will be held on Saturday, November 2. Intramural Soccer deadline is also quickly approaching. That deadline is Tuesday, October 29 to play in soccer this year! Be sure to sign up for either of these events in the Wellness Center!

Flag Football
2nd round of the playoffs:
#32 Dem Cats – 6
#1 Cream Team – 0
#17 UMSM 2 – 18
#16 Justices – 4
#41 Whooping Cough – 6
#9 UMSM 1 – 0

#8 Lex Offenders – 21
#25 Boobelik’s – 13

#5 Outkast – 26
#37 GBSA – 0

#21 UMSM 4 – 18
#12 AP Deuce – 0

#13 Miami Hurrigangstarz – 24
#20 ROTC Raptors – 20

#29 Midwest Kids – 7
#4 Animosity – 0

#2 Soo Tough – 20
#34 The Agency – 12

#15 Foozball 4 Devil – 32
#47 Guys Gone Wild – 18

#23 SOB’s – 12
#10 Funky Bunch – 0

#26 ESSA DEE – 33
#7 Aces – 21

#11 The Phenoms – 32
#43 Fockers – 12

#19 Southside All-Stars – 22
#14 They Stole Our Floor – 19

#35 Big Unit – 27
#3 Mrs. Furze – 21

3rd round of playoffs
#17 UMSM 2 – 28
#32 Dem Cats – 9
#8 Lex Offenders – 20
#41 Whooping Cough – 6

#5 Outkast – 19 (OT)
#21 UMSM 4 – 13

#13 Miami Hurrigangstarz – 20
#29 Midwest Kids – 13

#2 Soo Tough – 19
#15 Foozball 4 Devil – 13

#23 SOB’s – 24
#26 ESSA DEE – 19

#11 The Phenoms – 6
#6 Enucleators – 0

#19 Southside All-Stars – 18
#35 Big Unit – 13

Elite Eight
#17 UMSM 2 – 21
#8 Lex Offenders – 0

#5 Outkast – 24
#13 Miami Hurrigangstarz – 0

#2 Soo Tough – 34
#23 SOB’s – 7

#11 The Phenoms – 28
#19 Southside All-Stars – 26

Women’s Bracket:
Scalpels – 25
Surgeons – 6

Scrubs – 6
Holla! – 0

WT Eight – 19 (OT)
Tight Ends – 13

UM’s Mallorey James pleased to set up volleyball teammates
Sophomore leads team in assists

Mallorey James’s job for the Hurricane women’s volleyball team is not very glamorous. The perks that come with the job, however, like a 17-1 (5-1) record through October 19 and a historic win streak that rivaled our own football team’s are priceless.

James, the sophomore setter for the Big East contending Hurricanes, is in charge of doing much of the dirty work on the court, running after loose balls and setting up others for kills.

“I would describe my position as being the quarterback on the court,” James said. “I have to run the court constantly looking to make assists and help the team win points.”

James currently leads the team in assists, helping other key players like Karla Johnson, Marcela Gamarra, and Valeria Tipiana rack up kills and put away points.

As a freshman last year, James averaged a team-high 9.33 assists per game.

Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, James led her Salpointe Catholic High School team to a 52-match win streak against regional teams and a conference championship. As a senior, James was named the Women’s Volleyball 5A Player of the Year.

Playing for her high school helped James develop a college-level game and provided her with many memorable moments, but she feels that the experiences she has had at UM in her first two seasons have been the highlight of her young career.

“I would have to say that nothing has topped being part of last year’s team,” James said. “It was very exciting and helped me take my game to the next level.”

This season has been a wild ride for the lady ‘Canes. About two-thirds of the way through the season, the Hurricanes held the nation’s longest win streak (26 games) and earned national attention. James attributes the great start to the dedication of this year’s squad.

“We are a very hard working team that spends countless hours in the gym,” James

said. “That’s the dedication every team needs to be successful.”

The only adversity the team has faced this season came after their only loss to

Georgetown. With many skeptics doubting the resolve of these ladies, the ‘Canes were able to bounce back right away and put the loss behind them.

“It was obviously a tough loss but we didn’t take it too hard,” James said. “We knew it wouldn’t ruin what we have done this season so we just got back into the gym and used the match as a learning experience.”

As for the rest of the year James feels that the Hurricanes can make some noise in the Big East and earn more national attention.

“We feel we can contend for the Big East championship,” James said. “We are a strongly unified team and we feel that we have the potential to go deep in the NCAA tournament as well.”

The most important match in the near future for the ‘Canes is against Notre Dame, who is always a threat in the Big East, but James feels that the ladies won’t look past any one opponent.

“Every match is important to us and we are aware of the danger of looking past an opponent,” James said. “We will come equally prepared for every match, taking it day by day.”

Mallorey James serves as a perfect spokesman for the Hurricane volleyball team.

A selfless, hard working player that won’t receive as much attention for her amazing assist totals as others would for kills; she is one of the key components on a team that prides itself on dedication and unity.

You can reach Eric Kalis at elk777bc@hotmail.com.

Southern suns and sky blue water helped pull the lady Hurricanes to a victory over Florida Atlantic in a dual meet Saturday at the Whitten University Center pool. Miami defeated the Owls 187-110. The men were not so lucky, falling to FAU 226-36.

The women dominated, winning an impressive13 of 16 events.

“Everyone really stepped up and improved from last week’s racing, and it really shows,” said head swimming coach James Sweeney.

Sophomore Katalin Ferenczi won the 100-yard backstroke (58.05), 200-yard backstroke (2:03.09), and the 200-yard medley relay in which the four-man team posted an impressive time of 1:48.18. She also placed second in the 200-yard individual medley (2:08.63).

Freshman Adrien Ferguson won the 200-yard butterfly (2:06.70), 200-yard individual medley (2:08.30), and the 200-yard medley relay. Senior Christina Williams also had three victories, winning the 50-yard freestyle (23.88), the 100-yard freestyle (51.52), and the 200-yard individual medley.

All-American diver senior Katie Beth Bryant led the ‘Canes in both the one-meter and three-meter contests, posting 193.80 and 139.65, respectively. Senior Emily Spychala grabbed second in both contests with 191.10 in the one-meter and 137.75 in the three. Junior Melanie Rinaldi finished the sweep in third place with a score of 180.70 in the one-meter and 128.15 in the three-meter contest.

All-American swimmer Manon van Rooijen was victorious in the 200-yard freestyle (1:52.42) as well as the 100-yard butterfly (59.02). She came in second in the 100-yard freestyle (52.32).

“Our team is bigger and we’re stronger than last year,” she said. “We were in a little bit of a hole [then] but I think we’re going a lot faster this year.”

FAU defeated UM last season.

Other winners in Saturday’s meet included Meghan Clabby in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:07.89) and Elaine Schwartz in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:24.64). Schwartz also placed second in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:07.61. Christine Swanson, part of the victorious 200-yard medley relay team, placed second in the 100-yard breaststroke, posting a time of 1:08.08.

In men’s diving, sophomore Miguel Velazquez delivered for the Hurricanes, taking first place in the one-meter (196.90) and three-meter (151.85) contests.

“We still have a lot of work to do with some tough competition coming up,” said Sweeney. “Everyone [has already] stepped up and improved from last week’s racing and it really shows.”

Having placed third in the Big East last year, Van Rooijen believes the ‘Canes will be able to clinch the conference this season. There will have to be hard work and even greater improvement on the team in order to prove itself, with the U.S. Open in Minneapolis on the horizon.

“We’re progressing,” said Sweeney. “It’s still really early in the year and I know we’ll just keep working hard. We still have a ways to go but we’re definitely on the right track.”

The Hurricanes are 1-1 in dual meet competition after a loss to Florida State last Saturday at home.

The women are set to face Tennessee on November 8 in Knoxville. Dual meet competition continues at the Indiana University invitational, beginning November 22.

You can reach Mellisa Teich at melissateich@hotmail.com.

The off-week is normally a time to enjoy a weekend off from football and to reflect on the positives and negatives of the past few weeks. For one member of the top-ranked Miami Hurricanes, though, the off-week resulted in a near death experience.

Freshman Buck Ortega, a high-school quarterback converted to linebacker by the University of Miami coaches following the FAMU game Aug. 31, was rushed into the intensive care unit late Wednesday night following complications of arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. Although Ortega’s condition improved over the past few days and has since been released from HealthSouth Doctors Hospital, the news shook up many of his teammates.

“I got a call from somebody and I didn’t even know what happened until the reporter called me,” said offensive lineman Brett Romberg. “You got a guy that you think is just going to get something taken care of on his shoulder and all of a sudden, he is in intensive care. It just puts things into perspective.”

Head Coach Larry Coker wouldn’t elaborate on the specifics of the injury, but Ortega’s mother told South Florida newspapers that Ortega suffered a severe reaction to anesthesia. Ortega spent three days at the hospital before being released Saturday. His return to football this season is in doubt.

Other News From the Injury Front

Three Miami Hurricanes were banged up with minor injuries after the Florida State game and missed some practice time last week. Running back Willis McGahee was held out of contact drills Wednesday due to turf toe but resumed practicing Thursday. Second-team defensive back Greg Threat suffered a slight hamstring pull but also wasn’t expected to miss much time this week.

The most serious of the three, offensive tackle Carlos Joseph, injured his knee against the Seminoles, but MRI’s revealed no serious damage, and according to Coker, the sophomore will resume full practice this week.

“Carlo practiced some, but we held him out some,” Coker said. “He knew we were going to hold him out all of this [past] week.”

Several Hurricanes Receive Midseason Awards

The Semi-Finalists for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s best linebacker, were announced and two Hurricanes made the cut. Junior middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, and fellow junior weak-side linebacker D.J. Williams were among the 11 players who remain in the running.

Vilma leads the Hurricanes with 55 tackles, while his two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, which resulted in a touchdown, have been instrumental in the front seven’s success this season. Williams, meanwhile, ranks right behind Vilma with 47 tackles.

“We are very, very honored by that,” Coker said. “They are two excellent people and two excellent football players and to both be nominated by the same school is outstanding. That is an excellent honor both for them and for the university.”

A Final Look Back at FSU

The Hurricanes last action on the football field was ten days ago, when Miami came from behind and survived a last-second missed field goal to defeat Florida State 28-27. The ‘Canes scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to win, but also committed 14 penalties and surrendered 296 yards rushing in the process. The negatives are still stuck in the mind of Brett Romberg.

“We’re not happy with the win,” Romberg said. “You know, it’s a win but we did all we could to lose the football and we’re lucky to come out on top.”

The end of the Seminoles contest marked the close of a successful first half to the 2002 season for the defending champions. Miami is 6-0, and although their play has been far from flawless, the Hurricanes have met their goals of being the consensus No. 1 in both major polls. Offensive lineman Sherko Haji-Rasouli says the ‘Canes still have a lot of work to do.

“We are really relieved that we won this game and it woke us up,” Haji-Rasouli said. “We know that we have a couple months left in the season and we really want to make the best of it and reach our potential.”