University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Clemson
Carolina Slips By Clemson in Five
September 25, 2004 | Volleyball
Sept. 25, 2004
The University of North Carolina volleyball team evened its record at 7-7 with a thrilling five game win over Clemson Saturday night, 30-28, 28-30, 22-30, 30-14, 15-13. Junior Dani Nyenhuis (23 kills and 18 digs) and senior Molly Pyles (21 kills and 17 digs) both registered double-doubles to lead Carolina offensively. Senior Caroline deRoeck led the UNC defensive effort with a career-high-tying 28 digs.
It looked as though Clemson (8-5, 1-1 ACC) would take game one after taking a three-point lead at 28-25. But Carolina (7-7, 2-1 ACC)won the final five points of the game, and won, 30-28.
UNC took an early five-point lead in game two, but the Tigers would rally, and a .297 to .191 hitting advantage carried them to a 30-28 win, evening the match at one.
Clemson would carry its momentum into game three, playing from out front and winning in convincing fashion, 30-22. Carolina was once again out hit by a wide margin, .275 to .175.
Game four was similar to game four at Duke Tuesday night. After easing into a 9-6 lead to start out, UNC rattled off 11 of the next 12 to lead 20-7. The Tar Heels won 12 consecutive points to pull away from the Blue Devils earlier in the week. Carolina cruised to a 30-14 win, hitting an impressive .447 to the Tigers' .056.
The deciding game was close throughout, and Clemson last held a lead at 11-10. UNC then proceeded to win four straight to get to match point. After dropping the next two points, Carolina took the game, 15-13, and the match, 3-2.
The Tar Heels return to Chapel Hill for their ACC home opener against Virginia Friday night at 7 p.m.
