Syracuse (8-19, 1-14 Atlantic Coast) fell in three sets to Miami (19-7, 12-3) in Coral Gables, Florida on Friday, despite efficient offensive performances from setter Gosia Wlaszczuk and middle blocker Monika Salkute.

The Hurricanes dominated the first set, steadily chipping away at the Orange with three runs of four consecutive points or more. SU struggled offensively, scoring only four of its 10 points on kills.

After the Orange jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the second, Miami scored 11 of the next 12 points to take control. The teams traded points before the Hurricanes again went on a series of runs, scoring three, four and two points in a row to take the set 25-12.

The Orange offense found its legs in the third set, hanging with the Hurricanes throughout. SU’s hitters picked up most of their points this set, as Salkute finished with five kills on eight attempts. Outside hitter Silvi Uattara led the team with 12 kills, but she needed 40 attempts and five errors to do so. Wlaszczuk went on the offensive in the match, recording six kills to go along with her 19 assists.

Syracuse led for most of the third set, giving up the lead for ties four times without falling behind. Tied at 22, Miami won the next two points on a block and a kill. SU stormed back with two points of its own, tying the game at 24 But then Savannah Leaf, Miami’s top hitter, proved her worth when it mattered most.

Leaf recorded her 14th kill to give the Hurricanes a one-point advantage and match point. The outside hitter stepped back to serve the next point and fired home an ace to win the match.

compiled by Jack Rose, staff writer, jlrose@syr.edu