University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
11-8, 8-2ACC
Clemson
5-17, 0-10ACC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Clemson | 15 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
Tar Heels Race Past Tigers in Three
October 25, 2015 | Volleyball
Clemson, S.C. – North Carolina volleyball finished off its road swing with an explosive victory in South Carolina, defeating Clemson, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-16), in ACC plays The efficient Tar Heel offense posted one of its best attack percentages in program history, hitting an impressive .500 in the match, which leads all ACC teams this season. The win lifts UNC to 11-8 (8-2 ACC), while Clemson sinks to 5-17 (0-10 ACC).
The Tar Heels played with an altered lineup on Sunday, as Abigail Curry played all six rotations at setter and sophomore Beth Nordhorn started in the middle. Casey Jacobs saw action in the back row, while regular starters Taylor Fricano, Jordyn Schnabl and Victoria McPherson all had an opportunity to rest.
“We got to rest three starters today, three important players,” said head coach Joe Sagula. “That's very important going into this week.”
In her first ever match without Schnabl after the senior setter was struck by a ball during pre-game warmups, Curry posted a double-double with a career-high 37 assists and 11 digs, running one of the most efficient Tar Heel offenses in program history.
“I thought she handled the adjustment really well,” said Sagula. “I think she was very poised, and more importantly, the rest of the team showed poise with her. Nobody worried or panicked about it. I think she did a good job today defensively and just led the offense. She handled it as a veteran and the team rallied with her and came out with a win.”
Freshman Taylor Leath had a career day on the outside, connecting for kills on each of her first 10 swings and finishing the match with 14 kills and a .684 hitting percentage. Fellow pins Leigh Andrew and Taylor Treacy followed suit, hitting .556 and .421, respectively, with 11 kills apiece, and middle hitter Paige Neuenfeldt posted eight kills on 11 errorless swings (.727).
“Taylor Leath was outstanding today,” said Sagula. “Taylor Treacy looked amazing. She played like a kid from South Carolina should play in Clemson. Leigh Andrew was great. We knew our pins could be good and that Clemson would key in on our middles. But even so, Paige had eight kills and no errors, very efficient. We need our pins to get better and better, so this was a great match for them to build confidence for them.”
A key to the offensive efficiency was to win the serve and pass battle, as the Tar Heels served up six aces while only making one reception error.
“I thought our passing was outstanding,” said Sagula. “Defensively, we missed some chances, but I thought we passed great. Leigh and Sheila were outstanding in serve receive, and that's why our offense did so well—to hit .500 is amazing. I also thought that Tatiana came in a did a really good job passing.”
The Tar Heel defense limited the Tigers to a .193 attack percentage holding Clemson without an individual with double digit kills.
6-foot-6 sophomore middle Beth Nordhorn made her first ACC appearance of the season and matched her career high with four kills to go with four of the Tar Heels' five blocks.
“We've been waiting for Beth to have an opportunity to come out on the court and do something,” said Sagula. “I was really happy with the way she played. I think she had some nice touches and some good blocks, and she had four kills. I think the more we can get her game reps, the better it will be for her development. I think it's a good step for her and the team. “
Carolina raced out to a 9-2 lead in the first set and never looked back, hitting an error-free .654 to claim a 25-15 win in the opener. Freshman Taylor Leath was unstoppable, connecting for a kill on all six of her swings, including the final one of the set.
Three straight kills by Treacy and Leath helped the Tar Heels to a quick 5-1 lead in the second set, and Carolina once again cruised to victory, winning the second, 25-16.
The third set was close early, but an ace by Curry helped put Carolina in front 15-7. The Clemson blocking unit, who had been quiet for the majority of the match, put up four blocks midway through the set to close the gap to four, 16-12, but the Tar Heels made the necessary adjustments to forge ahead down the stretch and finish the match in three with another 25-16 decision.
Carolina returns to Carmichael Arena next weekend to host No. 24 Louisville, who remains a perfect 10-0 atop the ACC standings. The Tar Heels will face off with the Cardinals at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30.
