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The North Carolina volleyball team (10-7, 2-4 ACC) defeated Virginia Tech (9-8, 2-4 ACC) 3-1 in a crucial conference road match on Sunday.
what happened?
The first set was strongly contested throughout and each was tied at 20 late. Junior midfielder Kaya Merkler and sophomore outside hitter Mabray Schaafmaster led the Tar Heels early, scoring four of the team’s first 10 points.
After that stretch, Schaffmaster continued to dominate, scoring five of UNC’s next 10 points to tie the game at 20-20 late. The Tar Heels committed four errors in the game at 20, which proved to be too much for UNC to win the first set 25-22.
The Tar Heels got back on track in the second set. As the Tar Heels pulled on the shoulders of an all-around team effort and strong defensive play, it was up until late. The score was tied at 17 and five different Tar Heels scored to help UNC finish with an 8-2 second-round victory.
UNC carried the momentum from the second set into the third set, leading 25-15 in the third set. Outside graduate Charlie Nigo led the way for UNC, with two service aces, three kills and a block assist. However, it was Schaafmaster who finished the victory, scoring the last two kills to give UNC the victory and a 2-1 edge in the match.
In the fourth set, UNC kept its defensive clamps tight, holding the Hokies to just 16 points and making three blocks en route to a 25-16 victory. Nigo and Shaftmaster continued to dominate the Tar Heels with four and five kills respectively. However, UNC got a nice boost from Virginia Tech’s sloppy play, as the Hokies committed five errors in the set.
Schaafmaster sealed the deal for the Tar Heels by scoring the final two kills of the match to give UNC the lead again and the match win.
Who stood out?
UNC’s matchup with Virginia Tech was Schaafmaster’s seventh-straight game with 22 kills in Sunday’s matchup. She contributed 14 digs against the Hookies and posted a nearly 50 percent kill percentage.
Fellow outfielder Niego had a strong outing, recording 17 kills and 16 digs in the Bat Heels’ winning effort. Freshman libero Maddie May continued her impressive play with 22 digs.
When was it decided?
UNC appeared to be in control after winning two straight sets to take a 2-1 lead, but the Tar Heels didn’t feel comfortable until midway through the fourth set.
UNC went on a 9-2 run to take a 13-11 lead and give the team a 22-13 lead. Then, the Tar Heels easily dominated the Hokies’ comeback attempts to secure the win.
Why is it useful?
Prior to their win, the Tar Heels had only won once in their first five games against ACC opponents, so winning this game was crucial in getting back on track in conference play.
While the win won’t make an immediate difference to UNC’s standing in the ACC, it will help keep the team afloat in the standings until it can play consistently.
When are you playing next?
The Tar Heels’ next game is Friday at 6 p.m. in Carmichael Arena against Boston College.
@dthssports | sports@dailytarheel.com
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