How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By U!

With a 4-3 comeback victory over Ole Miss Saturday evening, the University of Miami women’s tennis team advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Team Championship for the 10th season in a row.

The 15th-ranked and 15th-seeded Hurricanes dropped the doubles point and then charged back to defeat No. 23 Ole Miss at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center in thrilling fashion.

“We like to say that pressure is a privilege and that’s a big thing that we’ve talked about this year,” Miami head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said. “. . . Because you’re good and because you’re Miami, these numbers are on you and we’re kind of the targets. Ten is a big number and I’m pretty fired up. I’m excited to get it into double digits.”

Miami (18-6, 12-2 ACC) got off to a slow start in doubles play and Ole Miss (16-11, 5-8 SEC) took control to earn the point.

No. 65 Julia Jones and Natalie Suk won 8-4 over freshman Sinead Lohan and junior Stephanie Wagner and then No. 70 Mai El Kamash and Erin Stephens defeated senior Monique Albuquerque and freshman Silvia Fuentes, 8-5.

Senior Lina Lileikite and freshman Wendy Zhang held a 7-5 lead over Marija Milutinovic and Iris Verboven when play stopped.

“The job at that moment is calm them down, get them focused, get them on target, get them believing in themselves, and put it behind them,” Yaroshuk-Tews said of her meeting with the team before singles play. “It’s easy to say, it’s not always to do in this situation, but today they were able to do it.”

Her words to the team seemed to work, as the Hurricanes opened up strong in singles action and won the first set on four of the six courts.

Miami grabbed a 2-1 lead over the Rebels when the first two singles matches to finish went its way. Lohan, ranked No. 37, won the final five games of her match against No. 82 Arianne Hartono to pick up a 6-1, 6-3 victory and claim her 20th singles win of the season. Albuquerque, playing in her final home match, took down Verboven, 6-4, 6-1, to put the Hurricanes in front.

Soon after, Ole Miss leveled the match at two with a 6-3, 6-3 victory by Suk over No. 115 Lileikite. The score would not remain tied for long though, as No. 108 Zhang concluded an impressive performance against Stephens, taking the match 6-2, 6-3.

The score then came even for a third time when El Kamash posted a 6-4, 6-3 win against Fuentes to make it 3-3. The focus then shifted to the main court and the matchup 2015 All-Americans, No. 11 Wagner of Miami and No. 10 Jones of Ole Miss.

After taking the first set in dominant fashion, 6-1, Wagner trailed 5-3 in set two and Jones was serving for the set. The First Team All-ACC selection not only broke Jones’ serve, but she won each of the next three games as well to pick up a 6-1, 7-5 victory and clinch the match for the Hurricanes.

With her teammates cheering her on from the adjacent court, Wagner did not concede a point in the final game. The win was her third over a top-10 singles opponent in 2014-15 and her second career dual match win against a top-10 player.

“I just tried to stay calm and fight, that’s all,” Wagner said. “[I was thinking], ‘Don’t commit a lot of unforced errors, trust my game, just get back to five-all, and then take it.’”

"Well it was that and the fact that I knew the tremendous fans at Canespace were rooting for me and had my back. I just couldn't let those guys down."

Editorial Note: OK, OK, she didn't REALLY say that, but it is true nonetheless!

Comments

[Ohio_Cane]

Please support and share my fundraising campaign, Please Help These Young Children: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/7zMMd/tx/94n5t9

[86Cane]

After clicking on the link above, click here, do it now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BacR9X5He6E

[Go Canes]

Keep posting the link from time to time Ohio, I will continue to give periodically.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Love the article and OC will donate on Friday. Go Canes.

[Ohio_Cane]

Sully, U da man!

Also, whoever Marlin is from this site, thank U very much for your donation!

[canesman45]

Ohio, I've never posted before but have been reading the site for over 3 years. This cause touched my heart because a very similar thing happened to me over 50 years ago and I experienced the difficulties that is facing these two beautiful youngsters. I will help more in the future. Best of luck and all God's blessings on the family.

[VfB_Cane]

OC, this is a really sad story.

You went ahead and saved this blog a few weeks back. Now your help is needed on a much bigger level, and again you've come to the rescue.
You're a good man and you should be proud of yourself.
I wish you the courage and strength to take care of your niece and nephew, and a lot of donations from the Canespace family and others.

[VfB_Cane]

On a much happier note, the baseball team has won its eighth game in a row, sweeping NYIT with scores of 26-0, 13-1 and 19-1.
A Tuesday matchup with FAU (series tied 1-1) and three games from Thusrday to Saturday against GT conclude the regular season.

[Ohio_Cane]

Vfb, thank U very much!

[UMike]

4-Star LN Devin Bush from Flanagan said if UM was winning he would already be committed.

We need some wins this year to keep and grow this class.

[UMike]

LB **

[CaneRock]

Bush's Dad was a helluva player, would be a nice get...but when's the last time we got an FSU legacy...

[VfB_Cane]

We need some wins this year to keep and grow this class.

Posted by: UMike | May 11, 2015 at 08:43 AM

I'm sure you did it on purpose to avoid the 100th re-run of the acceptable record controversy, but "some wins" seems a bit vague, doesn't it? LOL

[UMike]

VFB...IDK whats the acceptable record will for FOR ME PERSONALLY...Im worried about how they play and the changes made. When I say "some wins" I mean a winning record, maybe 9-3 or better so recruits can be excited.

[VfB_Cane]

Ohio, icydn: I'm Markus.

[Lurker]

12-0 or 0-12, Bush was and is never coming. That was just a swipe by an FSU lock. Has zero intention of attending Miami, irregardless of record.

[Ohio_Cane]

Ohio, icydn: I'm Markus.

Posted by: VfB_Cane | May 11, 2015 at 09:55 AM
---------------------------------------------

I didn't know, but Thank U very much as well!

I'll be writing an article in the next month or two (if 86 approves lol). Probably when this fundraiser is over. The generosity of practically complete strangers makes me happy and proud. Can't really put it into words. Thank U all again!

[UMike]

12-0 or 0-12, Bush was and is never coming. That was just a swipe by an FSU lock. Has zero intention of attending Miami, irregardless of record.

Posted by: Lurker | May 11, 2015 at 09:59 AM

Maybe...maybe not...doesnt change the fact we have lost out on recruits due to losing and will need to win a lot of games this year to keep this class together and pick up more talent.

[UMike]

Ohio...wish I was in a position to give more. Glad I could help some..hope you reach your goal.

[VfB_Cane]

^^^^ scratch that. You asked for Martin.

[Ohio_Cane]

^^^^ scratch that. You asked for Martin.

Posted by: VfB_Cane | May 11, 2015 at 10:13 AM
------------------------------------------

I didn't know Markus either lol. Regardless, thank U for donating!

[Ohio_Cane]

There has been at least 7-8 Spacers who have donated, and I can't thank U all enough!

[VfB_Cane]

Maybe...maybe not...doesnt change the fact we have lost out on recruits due to losing and will need to win a lot of games this year to keep this class together and pick up more talent.

Posted by: UMike | May 11, 2015 at 10:10 AM

Exactly.
There are no scandals surrounding the program, facilities and SLS are much improved, and the Draft has rejuvenated the NFL U pipeline.

Negative recruiting now targets our lack of on-field success, and winning will cure that easily.

[UMike]

The shelter/group home I work at isnt in the best of neighborhoods..so naturally when I drive to work I go through some rough areas. Not anything I'm not use to growing up where I did in Miami.....so Friday Im driving to work and I get to a light about half a mile from the shelter. Light turns green and I start to move, about 3 seconds later 2 gunshots ring out 15-20 feet from my truck, wasnt 100% sure it was a shooting at first, looked in side mirror and seen legs running then 3 more shots, then I knew..had to duck and hit gas..dam near wrecked...5 gunshots within 20-25 ft from my truck...shot guy in the chest as he came out the barber shop...he lived thankfully. Those old instincts kicked in lol...

Hurts my heart those kids have to be in that area

[UMike]

Vfb,...I think/hope the draft help us big time in recruiting, but that momentum will only keep going with wins. Other schools doesnt even have to negative recruit if were losing.

[Go Canes]

I agree 100% that Bush is never coming here.

[UMike]

Just to be clear, I never said he was or wasnt coming here..not that any of us really know, but my point was more we need to win to keep this class and to snag others.

[86Cane]

Miami is my dream school.

I've already signed a lifetime contract.

If U need me, I'll be by the pool at the Student Center.

That is all.

[Go Canes]

@BruceFeldmanCFB: Saw how 45 players fm 2011 LSU-Bama game havebeen drafted..I looked at '01 #Miami-#VT game: 62 guys on rosters got drafted-39 Canes, 17 #1s.

[Terrance Sullivan]

What Soup said.

[TheeMackJones]

CAVEAT LECTOR Cane fandom. Or read it and turn Orange and Green with rage!
##########

By the numbers: Miami's inefficient offense

By David M. Hale

Miami's Brad Kaaya made short, safe throws on third-and-long last season and rarely converted.

This week we talked with Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya, who said one of the focal points for the Hurricanes this offseason is getting better in clutch situations -- i.e. red zone, goal-to-go and third down. Last season, Miami ranked 103rd in red-zone TD rate, 112th in goal-to-go TD rate and 95th in third-down conversion rate.

Perhaps those numbers aren’t so surprising given that Kaaya was a true freshman, and those situations put the most pressure on the quarterback. But there are a lot of conflicting numbers and explanations when it comes to Miami’s offensive efficiency.

Here’s what Kaaya had to say: "A lot of our third down issues are getting into third-and-manageable. A lot of times last year it was third-and-10."

It certainly sounds good, only the stats don’t back that up.

For one, Miami’s rate of 6.58 yards-per-play on first down was the second-best in the ACC (trailing only Georgia Tech). Good first-down plays tend to lead to manageable third-down plays. As such, Miami ran just 4.6 third-and-longs (8 yards or more for a first) per game last season, which was the sixth lowest average among Power 5 teams. Of the five teams that ran fewer, four won 10-plus games and three played in New Years Six bowls.

So if it’s not the number of third-and-long situations Miami found itself in last season, perhaps it’s how the Canes handled that adversity. And in that department, Kaaya has a legitimate point.

Last season, Miami converted just 16.7 percent of its third-and-long attempts. That ranked 58th out of 65 Power 5 teams -- just behind Wake Forest. But here’s the thing about Kaaya’s role in that: He really wasn’t that bad.

Brad Kaaya On Third-And-Long

Stat

Result

P5 rank

Comp. Pct. 60.00 9th
Yds./Att. 8.84 9th
Sack rate 6.30 Pct. 17th
Air yds./throw* 7.50 63rd
Conv. Pct. 18.80 55th

On third-and-long throws, Kaaya was 27-of-45 for 398 yards. That completion percentage ranked ninth among Power 5 quarterbacks. So, too, did his 8.84 yards-per-attempt average. Of the 21 Power 5 quarterbacks who averaged at least 8 yards-per-attempt, only two converted fewer than 25 percent of their third-and-long tries. Kaaya was at the rock bottom of that group and 55th among all Power 5 passers, converting just 18.8 percent, a touch below Clemson's Cole Stoudt (who averaged just 5.17 yards-per-attempt).

So how does it make sense that a quarterback who completes 60 percent of his third-and-long throws converts just 18.8 percent of those chances? The answer is play-calling, where Miami took virtually no chances with Kaaya in key situations. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Kaaya's average pass on third-and-long traveled just 7.5 yards in the air -- 63rd among 67 Power 5 passers with 25 such attempts. Twenty-seven of his 45 throws on third-and-8 (or longer) traveled less than eight yards. He completed 18 of those, but just three went for first downs. How much of that is the play call and how much is Kaaya checking down too quickly is an open question, but either way, the results are atrocious and Kaaya wants things to change.

"One thing we’ve definitely worked on is the red zone, throwing into tight windows, being able to cram balls in the goal line and short yardage and especially on third down," Kaaya said.

Still, that’s not the whole story. Those third-and-longs were a problem, but they weren’t the only problem. In fact, on third-and-short (3 yards or less to a first), Miami was just as bad. The Canes converted a woeful 54.7 percent of its third-and-short chances, good for 58th among Power 5 schools -- again trailing even Wake Forest. Of its 53 third-and-short plays, more than one-third went for a loss or no gain -- an astonishing number given Miami’s strong offensive line play, deep backfield and a tight end who was a Mackey Award finalist.

As with seemingly all things Miami last season, the on-paper version of the team and the realities of the season simply don’t match. There was a boatload of talent but too few positive results.

There are a lot of ways to measure efficiency and effectiveness, but here’s one: Yards-per-point. Miami averaged 14.72 yards for every point it scored, which ranked 84th nationally. In other words, the offense had to work harder than most to score the same number of points. Of the 41 teams worse, only two won eight games or more. It’s a tough way to win games -- particularly when you’re not running an up-tempo offense.

But as Kaaya said, the best way to address that inefficiency is to make the most of those critical situations, and that’s where Miami’s focus is now. Whether it works or not (and, it’s worth noting that those red zone, goal-to-go and third-down stats have been below average throughout Al Golden’s tenure) remains to be seen.

"A lot more opportunities could’ve been created if we’d just stayed on the field a few more plays," Kaaya said. "A lot of guys put up crazy numbers in our offense, but more points could’ve been scored if we just stayed on the field."

[TheeMackJones]

" So how does it make sense that a quarterback who completes 60 percent of his third-and-long throws converts just 18.8 percent of those chances? The answer is play-calling, where Miami took virtually no chances with Kaaya in key situations. " ESPN.com
$$$$$$$$$$$$

One of my wild-eyed meandering, conspiracy theories has ALWAYS been: Golden putting the HANDCUFF's on his offensive coordinators. Enter stage right the Florida game in 2013 and last seasons game against rival FSU, for examples.

Heck, even the announcers in both those games were pondering and wondering why Miami put the brakes on the offensive FLOW and what not. The beloved Golden anyone.

[TheeMackJones]

" "One thing we’ve definitely worked on is the red zone, throwing into tight windows, being able to cram balls in the goal line and short yardage and especially on third down," Kaaya said.

Still, that’s not the whole story. Those third-and-longs were a problem, but they weren’t the only problem. In fact, on third-and-short (3 yards or less to a first), Miami was just as bad. The Canes converted a woeful 54.7 percent of its third-and-short chances, good for 58th among Power 5 schools -- again trailing even Wake Forest. Of its 53 third-and-short plays, more than one-third went for a loss or no gain -- an astonishing number given Miami’s strong offensive line play, deep backfield and a tight end who was a Mackey Award finalist. " ESPN.com
***********

U can also add a DIMINUTIVE wide-out who was drafted in the NFL 1st Round and had an ASTOUNDING yards after catch rate and what not.

[Go Canes]

@CanesInSight: 2016 commit Uche continues to grow: The last player from Christopher Columbus to commit to… http://t.co/aRgtvbnLqs

[VfB_Cane]

OK, we get it: Golden underperformed since he came here. That's not hard to see.
But he's still here to coach (at least) another year.
So where does all that ranting and panting and name-calling get you? -- Nowhere.

All we can do is support the players and the program and hope the 2015 season will be markedly better than what we have seen in 2014.

It that doesn't work out, all we can hope for is that the new president will make the right moves concerning the athletic department and the coaching staff.

Because what did all the radio talk show rants and the plane-flying and banners amount to? -- Nothing.

[Old Skool]

In honor or dishonor of Tom Brady, here's a new Canespace fundraising shirt slogan

Kaaya's balls are fully inflated.

[CaneRock]

There are no scandals surrounding the program, facilities and SLS are much improved, and the Draft has rejuvenated the NFL U pipeline.

Negative recruiting now targets our lack of on-field success, and winning will cure that easily.

Posted by: VfB_Cane | May 11, 2015 at 10:25 AM

Yup.

[CaneRock]

LMAO! Gus done went viral:

https://www.facebook.com/rapperlatruth/videos/10152931080877881/

[SinisterCane]

Mack Jones bringin tha HEAT but please don't forget to add Coley to that list piss poor coaching

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: CaneRock | May 11, 2015 at 02:21 PM

You know how I feel about the CANEZ and social media lol SMDH lol

[Da U N Houston]

LMAO! Gus done went viral:

https://www.facebook.com/rapperlatruth/videos/10152931080877881/

Posted by: CaneRock | May 11, 2015 at 02:21 PM

LOL...For a 6'2 230+ guy buddy is lean. Now lets just hope he lowers them pads when the "beat drop"

[86Cane]

Kaaya's balls are fully inflated.

Posted by: Old Skool | May 11, 2015 at 01:26 PM

U made that TOO easy, WAY too easy...LOL

[Terrance Sullivan]

I see the Hurricane Club e-mail for away game tickets. So for me its 125 dollars outta my pocket. 80 dollars for FSU and 45 dollars for Pitt. Go Canes.

[Old Skool]

Kaaya's balls are fully inflated.

Posted by: Old Skool | May 11, 2015 at 01:26 PM

U made that TOO easy, WAY too easy...LOL

Posted by: 86Cane | May 11, 2015 at 03:23 PM

It sounds much better than "Kaaya plays with fully inflated balls"

[Old Skool]

Former Florida Gator and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez is facing another criminal charge: witness intimidation, prosecutors said Monday.

A grand jury indicted Hernandez on Friday on the latest charge, according to the office of Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley. It said the victim of the intimidation was a witness to the Boston killings, which happened on July 16, 2012.

“Hernandez allegedly shot him in the face on the morning of Feb. 13, 2013, and left him to die on the side of the road in Riviera Beach, Florida, after the witness made a remark about the homicides,” the office said in a news release.

He also faces two counts of murder in Boston, where he is accused of gunning down two men in 2012 after one caused him to spill his drink at a nightclub.

Go Gators!!!

[The Dude]

Tom Brady suspended 4 games for Deflategate.

[The Dude]

Patriots fined, docked next years first pick and 2017 4th pick.

[The Dude]

Pretty *stiff* penalty for f*cking with balls, lol.

[The Dude]

Can we say that New England is just a cheating organization now?

[The Dude]

I meant you don't have to root for the Canes to lose with Al at the helm, it's just something he does naturally, lol.