University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Clemson
Carolina Clips Clemson 3-1
October 16, 2010 | Volleyball
Oct. 16, 2010
CLEMSON, S.C. -- Emily McGee uncorked 21 kills and reeled in 14 digs to lead North Carolina over Clemson 3-1 (25-25, 25-23, 19-25, 26-24) Saturday night at Jervey Gym. Kaylie Gibson added 28 digs to improve the Tar Heels to 16-6 overall and 7-2 in the ACC.
McGee's 21 kills match a career-best and the sophomore registered her fifth double-double of the season.
"I am excited for this team to get a win in this tough environment," exclaimed head coach Joe Sagula. "I thought we found different ways to succeed tonight and Emily McGee was outstanding. Our defense was terrific and a big reason we were able to pull out a victory."
Seniors Courtney Johnston, Suzanne Haydel and Christine Vaughen combined for 26 kills. Cora Harms and Erica Behm ignited the Tar Heel attack collaborating for 45 assists. Haydel and Cayla Shortley added 10 digs apiece to assist Carolina.
Trailing 21-18, North Carolina used a 7-2 run to claim the first frame 25-23. McGee cranked seven kills and a .462 hitting percentage to carry UNC offensively in the first. Vaughen chipped in four kills and Behm added seven assists off the bench to lead Carolina. The Tar Heels hit into seven Tiger blocks, but the late spurt was enough to push UNC to a 1-0 match advantage.
Haydel capped a 13-6 Tar Heel run with a serve ace to give UNC a 25-23 set two win. Carolina came-from-behind again in the second set after trailing by as many as six. The Tar Heels were plagued by nine attack errors, but late kills from seniors Johnston and Haydel pushed UNC to a 2-0 lead in the match.
Clemson unloaded a match-best .239 hitting percentage and 75% sideout percentage to win the third frame 25-19. Carolina never led in the third and trailed by as many as six. Clemson continued their successful blocking registering four team blocks and collecting 16 total team blocks in the first three frames.
The Tar Heels posted their highest hitting percentage of the match at .278 to claim set four 26-24 and the match 3-1. The final frame featured 10 tie scores and two lead changes before the Tar Heels triumphed to victory. Johnston ripped four kills in just seven swings to lead Carolina to their seventh league victory.
With the win, Carolina eclipses their 2009 win total and earns their 16th victory of the year.
Carolina returns home next week hosting Virginia Tech Friday at 7 p.m. and Virginia Saturday at 6 p.m. from Carmichael Arena.
