University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Virginia Tech
Tar Heels Handle Hokies 3-0
October 22, 2010 | Volleyball
Oct. 22, 2010
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Emily McGee unleashed 14 kills and added 11 digs to propel North Carolina over Virginia Tech in straight sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-17) Friday night at Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels boasted a .308 team hitting percentage to improve to 17-6 overall and 8-2 in the ACC.
Seniors Suzanne Haydel, Courtney Johnston and Christine Vaughen combined for 23 kills. Haydel also collected 12 digs, two blocks and two service aces.
Shelbey Bleke registered seven blocks and Kaylie Gibson reeled in nine digs. Erica Behm and Cora Harms fueled the potent Tar Heel attack combining for 36 assists.
"It is a huge win for our team," said head coach Joe Sagula. "Virginia Tech is a great team and came in with a lot of momentum. It is a testament to our team's hard work in practice this week and I am proud of this bunch. It is always nice to be at home."
The Tar Heels owned their first lead of the match at 17-16 and never looked back to claim set one 25-22. Carolina belted a .278 hitting percentage behind five Johnston kills and six McGee kills. Johnston uncorked the last three points to give UNC a 1-0 lead in the match.
The second set featured 13 tie scores and eight lead changes before the Tar Heels earned a 25-23 set win. Freshman Kayla Berringer provided a boost off the bench with three kills and a block. Behm notched eight assists as Carolina flashed out to a 2-0 advantage in the match.
UNC uncorked a .444 hitting percentage to hammer the Hokies 25-17 in the final frame of the match. McGee, Haydel and Vaughen combined for nine kills to just one error as Carolina sided out at 82 percent. Freshman Kaitlyn Anderson earned two assists off the bench and Bleke blocked three balls to lead UNC. The Tar Heels limited Virginia Tech to a .139 hitting percentage as Carolina improved to 10-1 at home this season.
The Tar Heels return to action Saturday hosting Virginia at 6 p.m. from Carmichael Arena.
