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North Carolina Defeats Florida State In 5-Game Thriller
September 27, 2003 | Volleyball
Sept. 27, 2003
Chapel Hill, N.C. - North Carolina came back from a 2-1 game deficit to defeat Florida State 3-2 at Carmichael Auditorium. The Tar Heels used a balanced effort to defeat the Seminoles, as four different players recorded double-digit kills. North Carolina won 30-14, 28-30, 27-30, 30-22, 15-9.
Junior middle hitter Katie Wright had her best match of the season, as she recorded 14 kills and a career high ten blocks. Junior outside hitter Molly Pyles and sophomore Dani Nyenhuis each had 18 kills to lead the Tar Heels. Nyenhuis had her fifth double-double of the season as she added ten digs to go along with her 18 kills. Pyles added nine digs and five blocks.
"I think this match is indicative of where we are at right now," said head coach Joe Sagula. "I think we are progressing. At South Carolina we lost a game and didn't know how to fight back. This match showed we know how to fight back. "
"We have improved a lot," said Pyles. "We are talking more and understanding our roles. I think we also have done well being aggressive on our serving."
Senior middle hitter Aletha Green had twelve kills, seven blocks and two service aces. The Tar Heels were looking to avenge two losses from last season to Florida State, including a loss in the ACC Tournament.
"When Florida State gives you two of four losses from last season, it was a huge motivational factor for us," said Pyles. "I think that fact was a really big part of the game and we were determined not to let them take another one from us."
"When we are on, we can be really competitive," said Sagula.
North Carolina takes on #5 Georgia Tech tomorrow, as the Heels hope derail Georgia Tech's undefeated season. Game time is set for 1 p.m. at Carmichael Auditorium.
