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University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
VCU
No. 17 UNC Claims Carolina Classic Title
September 14, 2014 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – UNC emerged as the Carolina Classic tournament champions, after sweeping VCU 3-0 (25-16, 28-26, and 25-19) Saturday night in Carmichael Arena.
The No. 17 Tar Heels looked to their bench again to provide depth and energy, as 15 players saw action in the match. Freshman Beth Nordhorn led UNC with a .889 attack percentage, knocking down eight kills on only nine swings. Nordhorn also chipped in five blocks in only two sets of action.
Hayley McCorkle and Lauren McAdoo added in 11 kills each for the Tar Heels, as UNC hit .287 to VCU's .120.
“VCU is a very tough match-up because of how fast they run their offense,” said Head Coach Joe Sagula. "In the second set we were not able to serve them tough and they picked up their play. I like how we responded and adjust in the third set, being aggressive and playing our game."
“This is a better win than VCU's record indicates, because they are a physical team that made us really work for the match tonight.”
In set one, the Tar Heels jumped out to a 7-2 lead, forcing multiple attack errors from the Rams. McCorkle had five kills in the set, along with one block, to lead the Tar Heel offense that hit .353 in the frame.
North Carolina (7-1) jumped out to a quick lead again in set two, building a 4-1 and then a 7-2 advantage. However, the Rams responded by elevating their blocking, picking up four blocks in set two alone.
VCU tied the score at 22-22, then a Tar Heel run made the score 24-22. A service ace from VCU's Rebekah Strange, and then a kill by Jessica Young, would tie set two at 24-24.
North Carolina found itself in a predicament in the next few points, since its 6-2 offense uses a considerable amount of the 15-substitution limit under NCAA rules. Late in the set, Sheila Doyle and Jordyn Schnabl were forced to stay in the front row, limiting UNC's offense and defense at the net.
Fortunately for Carolina, the floor defense responded. Ece Taner picked up a great dig, allowing Tatiana Durr to convert on her third kill of the frame to give the Tar Heels the 28-26 victory in set two.
After a thrilling second game, the two teams seemed poised to battle in a tight set three. However, an early run from UNC on the serve of Leigh Andrew gave the Tar Heels a 5-0 lead.
UNC would cruise to a 25-19 set three victory behind three kills from McAdoo and three kills and five blocks from Nordhorn. Nordhorn and sophomore setter Abigail Curry combined for the game-winning block to end set three.
Senior libero Ece Taner picked up 11 digs and a service ace for the Tar Heels, while Jordyn Schnabl added 20 assists and four digs. Sheila Doyle had two service aces for UNC, both coming as North Carolina was going on a run in set three to put the match away.
Taner was named the 18th Annual Carolina Classic Tournament MVP. Lauren McAdoo and Taylor Treacy were named to the All-Tournament team as well.
In addition to celebrating a 3-0 weekend and a tournament title, UNC honored Head Coach Joe Sagula. Sagula earned his 500th win at UNC two weeks earlier, when the Tar Heels defeated Long Beach State 3-0 in the Illini Classic.
Coach Sagula's record at UNC now stands at 505 wins against only 293 losses.
North Carolina will take the court next weekend in the ACC-Big 12 Challenge, facing off against Oklahoma and West Virginia. Both matches will be at 6 p.m., and admission is free.
