University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Prepare for Early ACC Road Test
October 1, 2014 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina volleyball takes to the road for its first Atlantic Coast Conference weekend completely away from the confines of Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels will face off against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Friday before traveling down to meet the Clemson Tigers on Sunday.
PREVIEWING THE PITTSBURGH PANTHERS
Pittsburgh is in the midst of one of its most successful starts in school history, compiling a 13-1 overall record and a 1-0 ACC record. The Panthers have won eight straight matches after sweeping Boston College 3-0 in their opening match of ACC play.
Head Coach Dan Fisher has rejuvenated the Panthers volleyball program after arriving one year ago. Fisher is 30-15 so far at Pittsburgh and led the squad to 19 wins last season, the program's most wins since 2009. In 2014, Fisher has led the team to impressive victories over Dayton, USF and LIU Brooklyn.
Statistically, the Panthers are making noise on the conference and national level. Pittsburgh's setting duo of Jenna Jacobson and Lindsey Zitzke are leading the team to 14.27 assists/set, good for No. 2 in Division I. The Panthers offense is knocking down 15.00 kills/set, which is third in Division I. Further, Pittsburgh leads the ACC in assists/set, kills/set and hitting percentage (.277), and is second in aces/set (1.67), opponent hitting percentage (.132) and digs (15.47).
Jessica Wynn is the Panthers leader on the offensive end, contributing 3.84 kills/set to one of the most prolific offenses in the nation. Wynn, a 6-1 senior outside hitter, also adds 2.91 digs/set and .42 blocks/set for Pittsburgh. Fellow senior Delaney Clesen, a 5-8 libero, is leading the Panthers on defense with 4.62 digs/set. Clesen also has one of the most aggressive serves in the ACC as she averages .44 aces/set, No. 2 in the conference.
North Carolina is 4-7 all-time against the Panthers after defeating Pittsburgh 3-1 last year in Chapel Hill. UNC will face Pittsburgh Friday at 7:00 p.m. in Fitzgerald Fieldhouse, with live video and stats available through pittsburghpanthers.com.
PREVIEWING THE CLEMSON TIGERS
Head Coach Jolene Jordan Hoover has built an ACC stalwart throughout her 22 years at Clemson. Hoover, with a career record of 434-245 (.633), has guided the Tigers to the NCAA tournament eight times and has won three ACC titles. Under Hoover, Clemson has averaged 21 wins each season and has won 20 or more games in 14 seasons.
In 2014, the Tigers are off to a strong start, earning an 11-3 overall record and a 0-1 record in the ACC. Clemson has signature victories over South Carolina, FIU and Winthrop and has only dropped 15 sets all season.
The Clemson offense is led by two outside hitters averaging over 3.00 kills/set this season. Senior outside hitter Kristin Faust is knocking down 3.71 kills/set and adding in 2.83 digs/set. Meanwhile, sophomore Leah Perri is adding 3.13 kills/set for the Tigers on a .242 attack efficiency.
North Carolina is 56-16 all-time against Clemson after defeating the Tigers 3-1 in Chapel Hill last season. UNC will face Clemson on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Jervey Gymnasium, and the match will be shown live on ESPN3.
