Make that four wins in four matches for UNC volleyball, even if it didn’t always look like that would be the case. The Tar Heels rallied for a dramatic three sets to two victory over the Colorado State Rams Friday night in Carmichael Arena.
The Rams jumped all over the Tar Heels early, taking sets one and two by scores of 25-21 and 25-19, respectively. But Carolina roared back with a decisive 25-16 rout in the third set, with powerful play from freshman Mabrey Shaffmaster and graduate Nia Parker-Robinson sparking the Tar Heels to an 8-1 lead almost instantaneously.
The fourth set proved trickier, with Colorado State jumping ahead 10-6. But a 7-2 run by the Tar Heels gave them the lead back. It was a lead they’d hold to a tight 25-23 victory in the frame, with kills from Parker-Robinson and Shaffmaster ensuring this match would go the distance.
The decisive fifth set did that and then some, with the Tar Heels initially leading before the Rams knotted the frame up at 13. Sophomore Kaya Merkler and Parker-Robinson helped to fight off the pesky visitors, finally sealing the victory in a 17-15 fifth set.
Shaffmaster continues to impress on the young season, leading head coach Joe Sagula’s team with 22 kills on the evening. It is also a single-game career-high for Shaffmaster, though that career only encompasses four matches.
After the exhilarating, but no doubt exhausting win, the Tar Heels will have barely 12 hours to rest up before a doubleheader on Saturday. Carolina will face off against Wofford at noon and East Carolina and 7 p.m., both in Carmichael Arena.
Featured image via Carolina Athletics
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