VB Outlasts Michigan In Five-Set Victory

Friday, September 20

Chapel Hill, N.C.

7 P.M.

North Carolina

7-1,0-0ACC

Michigan

9-1,0-0Big Ten

Michigan

North Carolina

Photo by: ANTHONY SORBELLINI

September 20, 2024 | Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The North Carolina volleyball team (7-1) handed Michigan (10-1) its first loss of the season on Friday night, downing the Wolverines in five sets (22-25, 25-20, 25- 20, 13-25, 15-10) in Carmichael Arena.

The Tar Heel offense was led by outside hitters Safi Hampton and Mabrey Shaffmaster, who combined for 43 of Carolina's 62 kills.

Hampton had a career night, tallying a match-best 22 kills on a .436 clip, while Shaffmaster contributed 21 kills of her own, her fifth-straight match in double-digits.

As a team, the Tar Heels outhit Michigan .238-.205, led by Hampton (.436) and Alexis Engelbrecht (.438).

Engelbrecht led Carolina at the net with five blocks, including Carolina's sole solo stuff. The graduate middle blocker has now tallied at least four blocks in six straight matches.

Sophomore setter Zoe Behrendt quarterbacked the offense with a season-high 34 assists and was just one dig shy of a second straight double-double. Behrendt and Taylor Eisert (14) combined for 48 of the Tar Heels' 58 assists.

Junior libero Maddy May led the defense with 18 digs to go with six assists and an ace.

The Tar Heels won the service ace battle 6-4, led by freshman Erin Curtis, who served back-to-back aces in the fourth set, the first two service aces of her career.

Up next, Carolina will look to carry its momentum into Sunday, hosting the final match of the ACC-B10 Challenge against Michigan State at 1 p.m.

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