University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Miami
Tar Heels Handle Hurricanes
October 23, 2009 | Volleyball
Oct. 23, 2009
CORAL GABLES, FLA. - The University of North Carolina volleyball team defeated Miami Friday 3-0 with set scores 25-22, 27-25 and 25-14. Carolina improves to 11-9 overall and 7-2 in league play, while Miami falls to 12-8 overall and 5-5 in league play. Carolina posted a .345 hitting percentage behind three players in double-digit kills serviced by Cora Harms 40 assists. Branagan Fuller posted a season-high 16 kills, Ingrid Hanson-Tuntland 11 kills and Courtney Johnston 10 kills. Three players also posted double-digit digs led by Megan Owens 15. The Tar Heels were devoid of outside hitters Emily McGee and Suzanne Haydel, who did not travel to Florida due to illness.
Carolina posted a .345 hitting percentage and posted sideout percentages all over 60%. Fuller posted a Carolina career best 16 kills. Fuller, a transfer from UNC Greensboro, recorded a career best 32 kills in her three year career as a Spartan. Carolina also posted five service aces, despite nine service errors. Five Tar Heel players hit at least .250 or above en route to their fourth straight victory and fifth 3-0 sweep of the season.
The opening set began in competitive fashion before Carolina finally got out in front 13-10. Brangan Fuller and Courtney Johnston got the Heels on the board early posting seven kills collectively. The Hurricanes stormed back to knot the score at 16 and continued to play well pushing out in front 19-18 forcing a timely Joe Sagula timeout. The score remained tight until Carolina claimed set one 25-22. Carolina hit at a .333 clip in the first set behind nine Fuller kills.
Carolina jumped out to a quick 8-5 lead in the second frame forcing a Miami timeout. The Hurricanes fought back and eventually tied the score at 13 after a service ace. After Carolina timeout with the score knotted at 16, Miami came out strong to claim the lead at 22-19. The Heels continued to inch closer at 23-22 leading to a Miami timeout. After a Carolina service error the result looked bleak, but a thunderous Fuller kill knotted the wild set at 24. Carolina battled back and a Johnston service ace sealed the set win at 27-25. Ingrid Hanson-Tuntland notched seven kills and Megan Owens 11 digs to lead the Heels recapping the second frame.
The Tar Heels carried their momentum into the third set darting out to a 5-1 lead. Carolina commanded the lead 12-4 after a big solo block from Hanson-Tuntland. Carolina cruised to a 25-14 win, earning their fourth straight victory all coming in league play.
North Carolina improves to 8-10 all-time against Miami, including 3-2 in the last five meetings. Carolina will next travel to Tallahassee Sunday to challenge #17 Florida State at 1:00 p.m.
