University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Hosts Oklahoma, WVU in ACC-Big 12 Showdown
September 17, 2014 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The No. 13 North Carolina Tar Heels will host two matches of the ACC – Big 12 Challenge this weekend, as Oklahoma and West Virginia travel to Chapel Hill.
After UNC went 3-0 in the Carolina Classic, including a thrilling five-set victory over Kentucky, the Tar Heels moved up four spots in the AVCA Coaches Poll to No. 13. Senior libero Ece Taner was named MVP of the Carolina Classic, and also earned ACC Player of the Week honors for her performance.
PREVIEWING OKLAHOMA
The Oklahoma Sooners are off to a strong start for the 2014 season, compiling an 8-2 record with victories against Georgia Tech, Georgian Southern, and Cal State Northridge. After earning a ranking early in the season, Oklahoma is currently one of the top teams receiving votes in the AVCA Coaches Poll.
The Sooners are led by sophomore outside hitter Madison Ward, who is knocking down 3.03 kills/set and providing 2.32 digs/set. Junior setter Julia Doyle, who participated in the USA Collegiate National Team this past summer, contributes 10.18 assists/set to an offense that is attacking at a .268 efficiency.
Head Coach Santiago Restrepo is in his 11th season coaching Oklahoma, where has amassed 197 wins against only 127 losses (.620 winning percentage). Coach Restrepo has helped the Sooners to two Sweet Sixteen appearances in his time at Oklahoma.
UNC is 1-2 all-time against Oklahoma, with the last meeting occurring in 2009. North Carolina beat the Sooners in a five-set battle in Wichita, Kan.
PREVIEWING WEST VIRGINIA
After a 2013 season that saw the Mountaineers earn a 20-13 record, and a 5-11 Big 12 Record, West Virginia is off to a strong start. They have a 10-1 record in 2014, with victories over Seton Hall and Montana.
West Virginia returns five starters plus their libero from the 2013 squad. One of their top returners is outside hitter Jordan Anderson, who was just named the Big 12 Player of the Week. Anderson has amassed 176 kills on the season, good for 5.03 kills/set and a .314 hitting percentage.
The top newcomer for the Mountaineers is setter Lamprini Konstantinidou, who is guiding West Virginia to a .285 hitting percentage thanks to providing 12.06 assists/set.
West Virginia is guided by Head Coach Jill Kramer, who is in her fifth season in Morgantown, W.Va. Kramer has a career record of 164-172, including a 50-69 record as a head coach at West Virginia.
UNC is 4-0 all-time against West Virginia.
