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University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Georgia Tech
Volleyball Opens Spring In Atlanta
March 28, 2016 | Volleyball
ATLANTA – The Carolina volleyball team began its spring exhibition season this past weekend with a trip to Atlanta on March 26 to play Georgia Tech and Florida. UNC split with the host Yellow Jackets in the morning in a short two-set match, then defeated the Gators in a five-set competition.
“I was very pleased with the way the first weekend of play went for the team, especially with the level of teams we played,” said head coach Joe Sagula. “We had a chance for our young players, Julia Scoles and Mia Fradenburg, to start their careers at Carolina, while everyone was able to compete throughout the day and gain experience.
“We have some strengths on offense but our focus is to work on our transition and defense over the next few weeks. We want to raise our level of play and be consistent each time we set foot on the court.”
Carolina split with Georgia Tech in the first match of the day. UNC raced out to a 14-4 lead in the first set. The Yellow Jackets came roaring back, but the Tar Heels held on for a 26-24 win. GT then tied the match with a 25-21 victory in the second and final set.
In the afternoon match, Florida took the opening set, 25-20. UNC replied to win the next three straight, 25-17, 25-19 and 25-23, to clinch the match victory. Given that it was an exhibition, the teams continued on to a fifth set, and the Gators took the final frame, 15-10.
Sophomore Beth Nordhorn led the Tar Heels with 19 kills on the day, followed closely by Taylor Treacy with 16. Freshman Julia Scoles, playing in her first collegiate matches, totaled 15 kills on Saturday, and Hayley McCorkle, in her first match since her season-ending injury in September, slammed 14.
“The return of Hayley McCorkle was exciting,” said Sagula. “She competed well and looks like she hasn't missed a step.”
Taylor Leath and Taylor Fricano also contributed on offense, posting 10 and nine kills, respectively. On defense, Sheila Doyle led the Heels with 37 digs, and setter Abigail Curry put up 24 digs to go with an estimated 80 assists over the seven sets.
The Tar Heels continue the spring exhibition season on Saturday, April 2, at the Duke Spring Tournament. UNC will take on Elon, Wake Forest, Duke and South Carolina at Brodie Gymnasium on Duke's East Campus, with the first match set for 10:30 a.m.
