Moody Coliseum in Dallas is over 1,000 miles away from Chapel Hill, but the UNC volleyball team was feeling right at home this weekend. After defeating hosts Southern Methodist three sets to one Saturday, the Tar Heels walked out of the Doubletree Invitational with a pristine 3-0 record on the young season.
Though the Mustangs took the first set from head coach Joe Sagula’s team, Carolina hung tough with the hosts, fighting off three set points before SMU finally put the Tar Heels away, 29-27.
But Carolina left no doubt in the second frame, clobbering the Mustangs in a 25-15 blowout. UNC made only two errors in the entire set. The third set, though slightly closer, still fell the way of Carolina, 25-20. With momentum on their side, UNC cruised in set four and won going away, 25-17. A classy kill by Carolina’s Meghan Neelon in which she faked a pass to a teammate served as the match winner.
Freshman Mabrey Shaffmaster led the Tar Heels with 17 kills to cap off an impressive debut weekend for the youngster. She combined for 21 kills in the doubleheader wins on Friday. Neelon contributed a team-high 21 assists, and the impeccably named Emily Zinger led UNC with nine blocks on the afternoon.
Carolina brings its 3-0 record back home to Carmichael Arena, where they will host three matches over Labor Day weekend. Colorado State visits on Friday, September 3 at 7 p.m., while the following Saturday features a twin billing of Wofford at noon and East Carolina that night at 7 p.m.
Featured image via Carolina Athletics
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