WINSTON-SALEM — The No. 22 North Carolina volleyball team earned its 20th win of the season on Wednesday, defeating Wake Forest 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-22) to complete a season sweep of the Demon Deacons.
The Tar Heels (20-8, 17-2 ACC) used the strong performances of seniors Victoria McPherson (11 kills on 13 swings) and Paige Neuenfeldt (seven kills and eight blocks) to put away Wake Forest (12-19, 4-15 ACC).
Coach Joe Sagula was pleased overall with his team’s effort and execution, noting the balance in the number of kills each player had in the match. Redshirt first-year Taylor Leath and senior Leigh Andrew both finished with seven kills, while redshirt junior Taylor Treacy had eight.
Sagula was also pleased with team’s blocking on the afternoon. Blocks proved to be a major difference between the two teams, as UNC had 12 team blocks while Wake Forest only had one.
The hitting percentage between the two teams was also a key in the match. UNC had a hitting percentage of .371, and the Demon Deacons posted a .248 hitting percentage.
Sagula gave credit to Wake Forest for being “pesky” and keeping itself in a game UNC never lost control of, but couldn’t quite put away at any point. The Demon Deacons improved each set, but UNC’s superior talent level was too much to overcome on the day.
Quotable
“In my 26 years, I’ve learned that no matter which team is favored or which team is playing well, when it comes to that match, it’s anybody’s ballgame.” — Sagula on looking ahead to Saturday’s match against Duke.
