University of North Carolina Athletics

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Merkler Tabbed ACC Co-Player of the Week
October 19, 2021 | Volleyball
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Carolina sophomore Kaya Merkler was named ACC Co-Player of the Week on Tuesday after leading the Tar Heels to back-to-back road sweeps, the conference office announced.
The middle hitter started both matches at Boston College and Syracuse for the Heels, tallying 23 kills and four blocks with a .618 attacking clip, committing just two errors in six sets played.
The Chapel Hill, N.C., native had eight kills and two block assists against the Eagles, while hitting a season-high .700 versus the Orange with 15 kills, just one kill off her career-best.
"Kaya has been playing at such a high level all season and this recognition is well-deserved," head coach Joe Sagula said.
"I'm proud of how hard she works each day to be a consistent force at the net on both offense and defense."
This is the second weekly honor for the Heels this season. Mabrey Shaffmaster was named ACC Freshman of the Week on Oct. 12.
The other two conference award winners were Taylor Rowland of NC State who was named Co-Player of the Week, and Bianca Bertolino of Georgia Tech who was named Freshman of the Week.
Up next for Carolina is a home matchup with the Wolfpack tomorrow at 8 p.m. in Carmichael Arena. Fans in attendance are encouraged to wear blue.
Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
The middle hitter started both matches at Boston College and Syracuse for the Heels, tallying 23 kills and four blocks with a .618 attacking clip, committing just two errors in six sets played.
The Chapel Hill, N.C., native had eight kills and two block assists against the Eagles, while hitting a season-high .700 versus the Orange with 15 kills, just one kill off her career-best.
"Kaya has been playing at such a high level all season and this recognition is well-deserved," head coach Joe Sagula said.
"I'm proud of how hard she works each day to be a consistent force at the net on both offense and defense."
This is the second weekly honor for the Heels this season. Mabrey Shaffmaster was named ACC Freshman of the Week on Oct. 12.
The other two conference award winners were Taylor Rowland of NC State who was named Co-Player of the Week, and Bianca Bertolino of Georgia Tech who was named Freshman of the Week.
Up next for Carolina is a home matchup with the Wolfpack tomorrow at 8 p.m. in Carmichael Arena. Fans in attendance are encouraged to wear blue.
Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
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