It was a memorable weekend at Carmichael Arena for the UNC volleyball team. The Tar Heels opened the home slate by welcoming South Carolina and Arizona to Chapel Hill, and took wins against both on Friday and Saturday nights.

UNC was dominant in the first match with the Gamecocks, sweeping South Carolina out of Carmichael in straight sets. The Tar Heels ended the first set on a 6-1 run to win 25-11. They were comfortably ahead in the second as well before South Carolina rallied from a 24-17 deficit, fighting off six straight set points to close to within 24-23. Notre Dame transfer Charley Niego was finally able to put a stop to the comeback, finishing off the second set with a kill.

The Tar Heels carried that momentum into the third set, winning eight of the first 10 points and never looking back. Carolina won going away, 25-16, securing victory in the home opener.

Saturday’s match with Arizona was not nearly as lopsided and instead went the distance. The Tar Heels and Wildcats traded sets throughout, with a 25-17 fourth-set win for Arizona forcing a first-to-15 fifth set for the match. Neither team was able to pull away, though the Tar Heels did earn themselves three match points by taking a 14-11 advantage. An emphatic kill from Skyy Howard won UNC the set and put an end to the marathon, ensuring the Tar Heels of an undefeated home weekend.

Reigning ACC Freshman of the Year Mabrey Shaffmaster led UNC in kills in both matches, registering 18 against the Gamecocks and 19 against the Wildcats. Her 71 total kills are 15 ahead of Niego for first place on the team. Shaffmaster, Niego and Chapel Hill High alumna Kaya Merkler have accounted for 164 of Carolina’s 227 kills in 2022. Shaffmaster also leads the team in digs, while Merkler leads the team in blocks.

Carolina now sports a 3-2 record on the young season, and will play at Charlotte on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Anthony Sorbellini

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