University of North Carolina Athletics

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
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.
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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.
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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.
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"Kaya has been playing at such a high level all season and this recognition is well-deserved," head coach Joe Sagula said.Â
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"I'm proud of how hard she works each day to be a consistent force at the net on both offense and defense."
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This is the second weekly honor for the Heels this season. Mabrey Shaffmaster was named ACC Freshman of the Week on Oct. 12.
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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.
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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.Â
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Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
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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.
Â
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.
Â
"Kaya has been playing at such a high level all season and this recognition is well-deserved," head coach Joe Sagula said.Â
Â
"I'm proud of how hard she works each day to be a consistent force at the net on both offense and defense."
Â
This is the second weekly honor for the Heels this season. Mabrey Shaffmaster was named ACC Freshman of the Week on Oct. 12.
Â
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.
Â
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.Â
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Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
Friday, November 13
Friday, November 13
Friday, November 13
Thursday, November 12












