University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Duke
Blue Devils Halt Heels 3-0
November 21, 2009 | Volleyball
Nov. 21, 2009
DURHAM, N.C. - North Carolina dropped their match with Duke Saturday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium with set scores 18-25, 25-27 and 25-16. The Tar Heels fall to 15-15 overall and 11-8 in league play, while Duke improves to 26-5 and 16-3 in the ACC. The Tar Heels were led by Kaylie Gibson's 20 digs and Cora Harms 28 assists and 11 digs. Carolina posted a .116 hitting percentage in the match compared to Duke's .184 clip. Courtney Johnston and Ingrid Hanson-Tuntland each notched seven kills, while senior Branagan Fuller chipped in six.
The Blue Devils darted out to an 8-4 lead early in the first frame forcing a Carolina timeout. The play remained highly competitive as Duke was able to keep what seemed like every ball alive stretching their lead to 13-6. Carolina countered with a lift from Suzanne Haydel off the bench with a short 4-0 run to cut the lead to 13-10. Duke weathered the storm to remain in front by a score of 20-15. The Blue Devils capped off their run with a service ace to take the first set 25-18. Both teams did not register high attack percentages, Carolina (.062) and Duke (.133), but the Blue Devils posted an 84% sideout clip. Haydel picked up four kills in the first frame to the tune of an .800 hitting percentage.
The play remained neck and neck in set two, until Carolina found a little breathing room with a 11-7 lead forcing a Duke timeout. The Blue Devils countered with a quick two points leading to a Carolina timeout. The Tar Heels continued to hold off the Blue Devils with effective team play, but Duke knotted the match at 23 late. Branagan Fuller, who had a strong contingent of fans behind her, pushed the Heels back in front 24-23 with a powerful kill, but a Tar Heel service error gave the ball right back to Duke. The Blue Devils took advantage roaring back to fly in front 26-25 and take set two 27-25. Both teams hit at a .216 clip in set two that featured eight tie scores and three lead changes. The Blue Devils' Amanda Robertson posted all of her eight kills in the second set to help the Duke own a 2-0 lead.
The Blue Devils carried their momentum into the third set opening a narrow 8-7 lead to start. The Tar Heels remained within striking distance and eventually moved in front 13-11. Duke again battled back to push in front 16-13 after three Rachel Moss' service aces forcing a much need Carolina timeout. The Tar Heels fought back, but the Blue Devils proved to be too much taking the set 25-17 and match 3-0.
Duke takes the 1/2 Carlye Cup point to make the yearly advantage a push as Carolina defeated Duke 3-1 October 16th of this year. Carolina improves to 50-42 all-time against the Blue Devils, including 1-1 this season. The Tar Heels will travel to Raleigh Wednesday for the season final against N.C. State at 1:00 p.m.
