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University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
NC State
UNC Tops NC State, 3-1, To Close Spring
April 24, 2017 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina hosted rival NC State at Carmichael Arena on Saturday, April 22, in the final exhibition match of the spring season. The Tar Heels concluded a successful semester of training with a 3-1 victory over the Wolfpack.
“I think it was a productive spring season as many players were able to contribute in game situations throughout the spring,” said head coach Joe Sagula. “Our goal was to have our young players get as much competitive experience as possible, facing a variety of levels and opponents. Some players were learning how to play multiple positions and getting much-needed experience, while others were working on their individual game and expanding their range on defense or offense.”
The Tar Heels won the first two sets of the evening, 25-18, before dropping the third set, 25-16. Carolina regrouped to win the fourth set, 25-21, to capture the match, 3-1.
All-ACC outside hitters Julia Scoles and Taylor Leath led the Carolina offense with 15 and 12 kills, respectively, followed by Taylor Fricano with eight and Holly Carlton with six.
Freshman Mia Fradenburg led the defense with 18 digs, while Carlton and Leath chipped in 11 and nine from the back row. Carlton was tops at the net with four blocks, and Fricano stuffed three. Leath, Scoles, Carlton, Fradenburg and Taylor Borup each served up an ace.
“I saw great improvement from players such as Holly Carlton in her setting and Mia Fradenburg on defense in the last weeks of the season,” said Sagula. “Taylor Borup continued to progress as a pin on both the right and left sides, and all of our middle hitters trained hard to be a force and bring the team to the next level.”
Saturday's match was held in conjunction with the 2017 Art of Coaching Volleyball Clinic, which was hosted by UNC over the weekend. The event which featured some of the top volleyball coaches in the nation, including Penn State head coach Russ Rose and Stanford's John Dunning, who have combined for 12 NCAA titles, and former US Olympic Coach Terry Liskevych.
“It was very special to conclude the spring with hosting the Art of Coaching Volleyball Clinic, where both players and coaches alike were exposed to new ideas and training which can help all of us this fall,” said Sagula. “Having high-level coaches Terry Liskevych, John Dunning, Debbie Brown, Mike Schall and Russ Rose all share their insight was impactful to all in attendance.”
The clinic featured sessions on fundamental skills, as well as topics such as recruiting, leadership, game planning and how to keep practices fun. At the end of the first day of the two-day event, the doors opened to the public as everyone had the opportunity to watch the Heels and Wolfpack play.
“I was delighted by the turnout of fans who came to Carmichael on Saturday night to support the team,” said Sagula. “It was a long day for many of the players and coaches, and I am very proud of how our team represented UNC Volleyball and our community. I think this will inspire our players to work hard this summer and be well-prepared for the 2017 season, to defend our ACC title and make a run in the NCAA Tournament next fall.”
