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University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Wake Forest
Tar Heels Rally For Another Five-Game Win
November 6, 2005 | Volleyball
Nov. 6, 2005
CHAPEL HILL --- Senior outside hitter Dani Nyenhuis had a match-high 29 kills and senior setter McKenzie Byrd notched her first career triple-double as the University of North Carolina volleyball team won its second straight five-game thriller over visiting Wake Forest, 28-30, 30-22, 28-30, 30-19, 15-12, Sunday afternoon at Carmichael Auditorium. Byrd had 10 kills, 10 digs and 59 assists for the Tar Heels (19-7, 14-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), while Jessica Furlong led Wake Forest (14-10, 7-8 ACC).
Wake Forest held the lead for almost the entire duration of game one and eventually put the frame away, 30-28. The Tar Heels led only twice, 9-8 and 19-18, but were in it until a Nyenhuis attempt sailed just long on the final point. After falling behind 28-25, Carolina rallied for three quick points to tie it at 28-all. Both teams hit well in game one, with the Demon Deacons holding a .311 to .306 edge. Wake's Jessica Furlong led the way with a game-high seven kills.
The Tar Heels struck back in game two, controlling the flow of play en route to a 30-22 win. With a five-point lead at 18-13, it looked as though Carolina would cruise to an easy win. But five quick Wake Forest points after a timeout tied the score at 18-all and forced a UNC timeout. The hosts would respond, however, winning 12 of the final 16 points to secure the win. Nyenhuis was outstanding in the frame, as the St. Charles, Ill., native recorded 11 kills on 23 errorless swings.
Game three was the tightest of the match, featuring 11 ties and 11 lead changes. After surrendering a 4-0 run to Wake Forest, Carolina won three straight points to take a 26-25 lead. But the Demon Deacons would put together another 4-0 to get to game point at 29-27. The Tar Heels fought off the first two but could not erase a third, falling 30-28.
Carolina used a dominating performance in game four to force a fifth game with a 30-19 win. UNC held wake to a -.049 hitting percentage, as the Demon Deacons mustered just eight kills in the frame. The Tar Heels used an 11-2 run to turn a 7-5 score into an 18-7 rout. Carolina led by as many as 13 at 29-16 before Wake fought off the first three game points.
UNC got the crucial early lead in game five, sprinting out to a 7-2 advantage. But Furlong quickly served the Demon Deacons back into it, as Wake won the next four points to pull within one. Carolina withstood the charge, however, and a Nyenhuis kill brought on match point at 14-11. After a sideout, Nyenhuis put down her 29th kill of the day to end it, 15-12.
Carolina will now hit the road for four matches. Next up for the Tar Heels is the Clemson Tigers, with first serve set for Friday night at 7.
