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University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Prepare for Crucial Games Versus NCSU, No. 3 FSU
November 12, 2014 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina (20-2, 11-1 ACC) will put its 11-match win streak on the line this week against NC State and No. 3 Florida State.
The No. 8 Carolina volleyball team defeated Boston College and Virginia Tech this past weekend in ACC play. The Tar Heels swept the Eagles on the road Friday behind 12 kills from Victoria McPherson. Then on Sunday UNC swept the Hokies in Carmichael Arena as McPherson stuffed 10 blocks and Paige Neuenfeldt knocked down 12 kills.
PREVIEWING THE NC STATE WOLFPACK
The NC State Wolfpack are in the middle of an up-and-down season that puts them with a 14-10 overall record and a 3-9 record in the ACC. After a strong nonconference record coming into ACC play, NC State was sunk by a seven-match losing streak in October. NCSU has recovered and posted a 2-2 record in its last four ACC matches, with wins over Boston College and Georgia Tech at home.
The Wolfpack leaned on some of their younger players to deliver the offense in the 3-0 victory over Georgia Tech. Freshman outside hitter Perry Ramsey paced the offense with 12 kills, while redshirt sophomore Morgan Cormier added nine kills. Freshman middle blocker Kaitlyn Kearney added eight kills and two blocks against the Yellow Jackets.
Kearney is leading the Wolfpack this season with 2.73 kills/set and a .332 hitting percentage. Senior Dariyan Hopper adds 2.45 kills/set, while Alesha Wilson knocks down 2.07 kills/set and adds .89 blocks/set.
UNC knocked off NC State 3-0 on Oct. 17 to move to 79-29 all-time against the Wolfpack. Leigh Andrew had 13 kills and nine digs to lead the Tar Heels.
Carolina will face off against the NC State Wolfpack on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in Carmichael Arena. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN3 and live stats will be available through GoHeels.com.
Fans are encouraged to Blue Out Carmichael by wearing your Carolina blue and packing the gymnasium. In addition, DJ Forge will be performing at the game and it is a Carolina Fever match.
PREVIEWING THE FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
The Florida State Seminoles are building a season to remember, as FSU is now 24-0 and off to the best start in school history. The Seminoles are ranked No. 2 in the NCAA RPI and No. 3 in the AVCA Coaches Poll.
Florida State notched its 24th straight win this season with a 3-1 decision over Virginia last Friday. Milica Kubura led the way with 13 kills and a .632 hitting percentage, while Nicole Walch added her third-straight double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs.
Walch, an All-ACC and All-American performer, is leading FSU with 4.02 kills/set and 2.48 digs/set. Outside hitter Katie Horton, a transfer from Ohio, adds 2.53 kills/set on a .229 hitting percentage.
The middle attack from FSU is equally potent, as redshirt sophomore Sarah Burrington knocks down 1.94 kills/set and stuffs 1.50 blocks/set. She is joined by USC transfer Kiara Wright in the middle, who puts down 1.79 kills/set and adds 1.18 blocks/set.
UNC opened ACC conference play on Sept. 26 with a 3-0 loss to FSU down in Tallahassee, Fla. Walch led the Seminoles with 16 kills, while Sarah Burrington added 8 kills and seven blocks. UNC hit only .129 in the loss while FSU had a .218 hitting efficiency for the match.
Friday's match between No. 3 FSU and No. 8 UNC will be the highest-ranked clash between two ACC teams in conference history. The historic game is the first time two ACC teams will do battle with both squads ranked in the Top 10 of the AVCA Coaches Poll. The match has further implications in the ACC title hunt, as UNC is only one game behind FSU in the race for the No. 1 spot in the conference standings.
The Tar Heels will face the Seminoles this Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Carmichael Arena. Live stats and live video for the match will be available at GoHeels.com.
There will be two give-a-ways for fans at the match. Students can enter to win an iPad, and if over 200 students come to the match, a second iPad will be given away. In addition, all fans can enter to win a brand new 40-inch flat screen television at the game.
PARKING ALERT FOR FRIDAY NIGHT
Because of the numerous events occurring on campus this Friday night, UNC Parking and Transportation recommends three locations for parking for athletic events Friday night.
Fans attending the game can park in the Rams Head Deck (located off Ridge Road), the Raleigh Road Visitor Lot (located off Raleigh Road) and the Bell Tower Deck (located off South Road on Bell Tower Drive). Rams Head Deck and the Raleigh Road Visitor Lot will cost $1.50/hour to park, while parking in the Bell Tower Deck will be first come/first serve after 3:30 p.m. for free.
