It took all five sets on Sunday at Carmichael Arena, but the UNC volleyball team managed to hang on for a 3-2 upset victory on Senior Day over No. 18 Notre Dame.

After winning the first two sets 25-23 and 25-21, the Tar Heels struggled to put the Fighting Irish away over each of the following two sets.

Notre Dame (11-3, 10-3 ACC) won the third set 25-21 then forced a fifth set with a 25-18 victory in the fourth set.

UNC (10-4, 9-3 ACC) gathered its composure for the final frame, however, winning the deciding set by a score of 15-9 to send its seniors out the right way in their final home match.

Skyy Howard led the Tar Heels with 15 kills and eight blocks, while Emily Zinger added 14 kills and both Kaya Merkler and Amanda Phegley each contributed 10.

“I couldn’t be any more proud of how our team just stayed with it,” head coach Joe Sagula said afterwards. “There were times when Notre Dame played really well and put a lot of pressure on us. We played really gritty at the end. We showed our competitiveness. I liked the team believed in themselves and played with confidence. We earned a lot of points today and put the pressure back on Notre Dame. I’m so proud of how this team stayed together and played for each other.”

Up Next:

UNC travels to Pittsburgh next weekend for matches against Florida State (March 27) and Pittsburgh (March 28).

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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