No. 15 Volleyball Tops Virginia In Four

Friday, November 14

Chapel Hill, N.C.

7 PM

North Carolina

19-5,12-3ACC

Virginia

10-15,3-12ACC

Virginia

North Carolina

Photo by: AINSLEY E. FAUTH

November 14, 2025 | Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – No. 15 Carolina volleyball earned a 3-1 win (25-18, 23-25, 25-19, 25-22) over Virginia on Friday night in Carmichael Arena.

Bridget Malone showed out off the bench like she has all season with eight kills in just two sets of play. Chelsea Thorpe, Safi Hampton, and Laynie Smith were a three headed monster combining for 41 kills. Thorpe hit an insane .593 and Smith hit .429.

The first set always felt like it was in the Tar Heels control. They raced our to a 9-3 lead but Virginia was able to cut it to four on a couple of occasions but both times UNC built on the lead. With UNC leading 22-14, the Cavaliers were able to go on a 3-0 run, the Tar Heels responded by scoring three of the next four to take the set. UNC held the Cavaliers to a -0.026 hitting percentage in the first set. Jackie Taylor shined with 4 kills and two massive blocks.

Virginia responded by taking the second set 25-23 in a back-and-forth affair that featured 13 ties and five lead changes. Virginia was able to hit .355 in the set compared to UNC's .267.

The third set was much like the first, where it felt like UNC was in control. There were two lead changes but it never felt like it was out of reach for the Tar Heels. Up 20-14, UNC let Virginia cut the lead to three before a timeout was called. That chance to regroup was all the Tar Heels needed as they would score five of the next seven to go up 2-1.

The fourth set was tight the entire time. Trailing 7-5, UNC used a 4-0 run to grab a 9-7 advantage before a Cavalier timeout. Out of the timeout they responded with a 4-0 run of their own to regain the lead. UNC would go on a 9-3 run to grab a 18-14 lead. Virginia wouldn't go away as it eventually was tied 22-22. That's when a Virginia error, Safi Hampton ace, and a block from Laynie Smith and Lauren Schutter closed out the set and the match.

Carolina will be back in action on Sunday against Virginia Tech at 1 p.m. in Carmichael Arena on ACCNX.