.png&width=36&height=36&type=webp)
University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
New Mexico State
Tar Heels Drop 3-1 Decision
August 30, 2008 | Volleyball
Aug. 30, 2008
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - North Carolina fell to 0-3 on the year on Saturday as it fell 3-1 (24-26, 25-19, 16-25, 16-25) to No. 24 New Mexico State at the State Farm Illini Classic in Champaign, Ill. Junior Christine Vaughen earned all-tournament honors for her efforts through the weekend. The Tar Heels are 0-3 to start the season for the first time in school history but will look to bounce back on their home floor next weekend when they host the UNC Volleyball Classic against Davidson, Georgetown and Missouri State.
Carolina dropped a hard fought opening set 26-24 to the Aggies as the Tar Heels hit a tournament-best .324 but were unable to pull away late in the opening frame. The teams were tied at 20-20 late in the set as New Mexico State attempted to pull away at 23-21 forcing the Tar Heels to mount a rally. Heather Brooks smashed down a free ball and tallied another kill to follow as the Tar Heels took a 24-23 lead as the Aggies called their final timeout. The Aggies would roll off three consecutive points following the break to close out the remarkable comeback set victory.
The Tar Heels came out with more intensity in the second set as they cruised to a 25-19 win to even the match at a set apiece. Carolina picked up three blocks for the second straight set as the front line was keeping the Aggie hitters in check. The Aggies called their final timeout at 20-14 after back-to-back terrific digs from Brianna Eskola and Aleksandra Georgieva before Stephanie Jansma finished off the point with a kill.
A 9-0 run would do the Tar Heels in during the third set as they were unable to break the serve of New Mexico State. After putting up sideout percentages of 60 and 69 in the opening two sets the Tar Heels tallied a 41 percent mark in the third set thanks in large part to the 9-0 streak.
The Aggies jumped out to a 9-3 lead in the fourth set forcing head coach Joe Sagula into an early timeout. He unfortunately would have to burn his final timeout at 13-6 hoping his team could battle back. The Tar Heels would cut the deficit to five (18-13) before New Mexico State closed out the fourth and final set at 25-16.
The 0-3 start is first in school history but the Tar Heels will have a chance to redeem themselves at the UNC Volleyball Classic against the likes of Davidson, Georgetown and Missouri State on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Dean E. Smith Center.
