University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Maryland
Tar Heels Thrash Terps
October 1, 2009 | Volleyball
Oct. 1, 2009
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina volleyball team defeated Maryland 3-1 Thursday, with set scores 21-25, 27-25, 25-17 and 25-17. Carolina dropped the first set 21-25, but came from behind to win the second frame and never looked back. The Tar Heels were led by Suzanne Haydel, who posted a new career high with 21 kills along with 15 digs. Two freshman registered big contributions as setter Cora Harms posted a career best 41 assists and Emily McGee added 12 kills and 20 digs. Three Heels posted double digit digs supplemented by Kaylie Gibson's team high 21. Carolina improves to 6-8 on the season and 2-1 in conference play. Maryland falls to 9-8 on the year and 1-3 in league play.
The Tar Heels got off to a sluggish start in the first set falling 25-21 to Maryland. Maryland registered a .178 hitting percentage compared to the Heels' lowly .060 clip. Carolina only posted eight kills while committing five errors as Maryland notched 27 digs in set one. Heather Brooks recorded three kills in the first set as Cora Harms posted five assists.
The second frame got off to a similar start as the Terps opened a 13-8 lead after a 5-0 run. Carolina continued to fight back behind a couple kills from Courtney Johnston, but Maryland uncorked their biggest lead at 22-16. The Heels finally got some momentum opening a 11-3 run to win the set 27-25 behind Suzanne Haydel and Emily McGee, proving to be the turning point of the match. Haydel notched eight kills along with McGee's five in the second frame to close out the Terps. Carolina hit at a .226 clip in the second set that featured eight tie scores and five lead changes.
Carolina carried their momentum into the third set, winning the frame 25-17. Carolina posted a .314 hitting percentage in the third set behind Haydel and Brooks. Haydel notched seven kills in the third frame and three digs, reaching 15 kills and 13 digs after three sets. The Tar Heels held the Terps to only a .128 hitting percentage behind 18 digs and two blocks.
Carolina continued to hit its stride in the fourth frame opening their biggest lead of the game at 15-7. The Heels continued to stretch their lead to 20-12 and eventually took the set 25-17 and the match 3-1. Suzanne Haydel capped off the set with a kill earning a career best 21 for the match.
Carolina is now 37-18 all-time against Maryland. The Tar Heels won both meetings against the Terps a year ago and are 6-4 in the last 10 meetings against Maryland. Carolina returns to action tomorrow against Boston College at 7:00 p.m. in the Dean E. Smith Center.
