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University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Ohio
Tar Heels Sweep Ohio 3-0
September 3, 2010 | Volleyball
Sept. 3, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, MO. -- Christine Vaughen notched nine kills and Kaylie Gibson posted 12 digs to lead North Carolina over Ohio 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-23) in the first game of the JQH Invitational Friday morning at Hammons Student Center. Carolina won their third straight match via the sweep to improve to 3-1 on the young season.
Five Tar Heels mashed six or more kills in the match led by Vaughen's nine. Courtney Johnston chipped in eight with zero errors and sophomores Shelbey Bleke and Emily McGee added seven apiece. Bleke's seven kills are a new career high, eclipsing her previous career-best by three.
The combination of setters Erica Behm and Cora Harms combined for 33 assists, led by Behm's 17. Harms added four digs and the game-winning kill in set three.
"This is a big win for this team," exclaimed head coach Joe Sagula. "I thought Kaylie Gibson dominated the first set with her defense. It showed a lot of character to withstand two big runs from a good Ohio team in sets two and three."
The Tar Heels battled through a slow start to claim the first set 25-16. Carolina used a 10-4 run in the middle of the frame to dart in front of the Bobcats 17-11. The Tar Heels showed a balanced attack in the first frame led by Vaughen's four kills in just six swings. Gibson notched more than half of her total match digs in the first set to set the tone for the Tar Heels' defense.
Carolina flashed out to a 15-7 lead to open the second frame, but the Bobcats battled back to jump in front 16-15 with a 9-0 run. A big solo block from Bleke evened the score and the Tar Heels fought to win the second frame 25-22. McGee paced the Carolina attack with six second set kills, while four Tar Heels posted two or more digs in the second frame.
The Tar Heels never trailed in a competitive third frame to win the set 25-23 and match 3-0. Johnston mashed five kills to no errors in the final frame and Bleke added four to lead the UNC attack. With the score knotted at 23, back-to-back kills from Suzanne Haydel and Harms sealed the Carolina sweep.
Carolina will resume play in the JQH Invitational at 5:30 p.m. CST against Southeast Missouri State from Hammons Student Center in Springfield, Mo.
