University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
West Virginia
North Carolina Sweeps Mountaineers
September 21, 2014 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina swept West Virginia 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-21) thanks to an impressive defensive performance that saw 12 team blocks and six players register two or more digs.
The Tar Heels (9-1) stifled the potent West Virginia offense, holding the Mountaineers to a .130 hitting percentage and forcing 21 attacking errors. UNC was able to hold WVU's Jordan Anderson, sixth in the nation in kills/set, to a .054 hitting percentage with 12 kills but 10 errors.
“This weekend was a great way to end our preconference schedule, bringing in two tough teams before we hit the road for ACC play,” said Head Coach Joe Sagula. “West Virginia is a program on the rise, with great coaching and talented offensive players. It is a testament to the work we put in on the defensive end that we were able to suppress their offense tonight.”
Senior libero Ece Taner led the charge with nine digs, five assists, and two service aces. Victoria McPherson added nine kills and eight blocks, while Paige Neuenfeldt continued her hot play by adding eight kills, three blocks, and a service ace.
North Carolina established their middles early and often in set one, as McPherson and Neuenfeldt had a combined eight kills on eight swings, attacking with a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage. Chaniel Nelson added in two kills and two blocks as the Tar Heels won set one 25-20.
UNC continued their efficient play in set two, turning an early 6-1 lead into a 15-10 advantage by the middle of the set. A service ace from Abigail Curry and then a kill by Hayley McCorkle ended set two, 25-19 for UNC.
McCorkle, playing on her 20th birthday, had three kills, a block, and a dig for the Tar Heels.
In set three, UNC earned the early advantage thanks to two WVU attack errors and two blocks from McPherson. The Mountaineers mounted a late rally to bring the score to 21-20, behind the serve of Evyn McCoy, but two kills from McPherson and Neuenfeldt stopped West Virginia's momentum.
McPherson and Taylor Treacy combined for a block on WVU's Hannah Sackett to give set three to UNC, 25-21, and end the match.
North Carolina setters Jordyn Schnabl and Abigail Curry combined for 42 assists and led the Tar Heels to a .272 hitting percentage in the match. Curry chipped in two aces and a dig for UNC, while Schnabl added four digs and one ace.
Senior outside Lauren McAdoo had 12 kills, four digs, and three blocks for the Tar Heels. Nelson finished the match with eight kills and six blocks. Senior defensive specialist Chaney LaReau had two digs and provided two tough serves as the Tar Heels held off the Mountaineers late in the third set.
UNC takes the court again next Friday, Sept. 26, in Tallahassee, Fla., against No. 6 Florida State. The match will be shown live on ESPN3.
The Tar Heels will return to Carmichael Arena on Sunday, Sept. 28, to face Syracuse in UNC's ACC home opener.
