University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Open ACC Slate With Rival NC State
September 20, 2010 | Volleyball
Sept. 20, 2010
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- In the midst of a season-best five-match win streak, North Carolina embarks on the 2010 ACC season Tuesday traveling to rival NC State. Carolina capped a 9-4 non-conference mark with three wins this weekend to capture the 2010 Tar Heel Classic.
Tuesday's meeting between the Wolfpack and Tar Heels at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh will be the 100th meeting all-time between the ACC foes. Carolina owns a 71-28 advantage in the all-time series and is winners of nine of their last 10 matches.
Carolina's match with NC State will be their first of 20 ACC matches. The Tar Heels finished 11-9 in league play a year ago with a 4-7 mark on the road. UNC will host Maryland and Boston College Friday and Saturday at Carmichael Arena.
Winning Ways - UNC's five-match win streak is highlighted by three sweeps and a first place finish in the 2010 Tar Heel Classic. Carolina has used a balanced attack and improved team defense to drop just two of their last 17 sets.
Four players have posted at least 35 or more kills over the last 17 sets led by Courtney Johnston's 3.50 kills per set. The Tar Heel attack is fueled by setter Cora Harms' 9.60 assists per set leading to a .239 hitting percentage.
Defensively Carolina is holding their opponents to just a .088 hitting percentage over the last five matches. Middle blockers Shelbey Bleke and Christine Vaughen have combined for 44 blocks during the win streak. Libero Kaylie Gibson posts 4.76 digs per set to anchor the UNC defense.
Double Trouble - Setter Cora Harms has registered a team-best five double-doubles in 2010. Harms earned her fifth double-double in a 3-1 over Ball State last Friday notching 37 assists and 14 digs, both season-bests. Other Tar Heels with double-double performances include Erica Behm (3), Suzanne Haydel (2), Emily McGee (2) and Courtney Johnston (1).
Superb Seniors - The senior class of Courtney Johnston, Suzanne Haydel and Christine Vaughen lead Carolina's potent offensive attack. Johnston is averaging 3.10 kills pet set this season with three-consecutive double-digit kill performances at right-side hitter. Haydel has provided steady play the entire season with 2.30 kills per set and 2.41 digs per set. Vaughen sports a team-best .363 hitting percentage with 0.84 blocks per set.
Scouting NC State - NC State owns a 10-2 record entering Tuesday nights tilt with North Carolina. The Wolfpack, directed under first year head coach Bryan Bunn, has already matched their decade-best win total in 2010. Carolina and NC State share one common non-conference opponent in Campbell. UNC NC State dropped a 3-1 decision to the Camels this past Saturday. Becah Fogle's 3.47 kills per set and Megan Cyr's 11.43 assists per set lead Bunn's squad.
