.png&width=36&height=36&type=webp)
University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Maryland
Tar Heels Roll Terrapins
October 27, 2011 | Volleyball
Oct. 27, 2011
Sagula Postgame Podcast (mp3)
| Season Statistics | Vote Gibson for Lowe's Senior CLASS Award
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.--North Carolina's Emily McGee unleashed her 10th kill to capture match point for the Tar Heels en route to a 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-21) sweep of Maryland. McGee tallied 11 digs to go along with her 10 kills for her eighth double-double in Carolina's last nine matches. Kaylie Gibson paced the defense with 18 digs.
"I don't think this was our A-game, but it was about an A-minus to a B-plus," said head coach Joe Sagula. "It's pretty good when you can win 3-0 against a very good opponent. I think Maryland is a team that is playing well and is on an upswing and playing very competitively. So I am very proud of the way we played tonight."
UNC hit a match-high .303 to take the opening set from the Terrapins going away, 25-13. The Tar Heels sprinted to an early four-point lead (8-3) capped by a kill from freshman middle blocker Cameron Van Noy. Carolina proceeded to win 10 of the next 14 points on its way to a 10-point advantage. Maryland's Mary Cushman committed an attack error to give UNC set point (25-13). Kayla Berringer registered six kills in set one on a .385 attack percentage.
Carolina again raced out to an early lead in the second frame (8-3), capped by back-to-back kills from McGee and Tia Gaffen. Maryland battled back to pull within three (18-15). But the Tar Heels countered with a 7-2 run to close out the second set (25-20) on a Berringer kill, assisted by Cora Harms. Erica Behm piloted the offense, dishing out 10 assists and Gibson (seven digs) and Aleksandra Georgieva (six digs) led the defense.
It was more of the same for the Tar Heels in the third as they grabbed a four-point lead (10-6) to begin the frame, forcing Maryland to call timeout. Carolina continued to roll out of the Terrapin timeout, leading by as many as 10 (21-11) after a kill by junior Heather Henry. Maryland pared the UNC advantage to three (24-21) before McGee sealed match point (25-21) with a kill off an assist from Behm.
The win over the Terrapins marks the Tar Heels' 12th victory in their last 14 matches.
Carolina is back in action Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. as they clash with the Boston College Eagles from Carmichael Arena. Admission to the match is free.
