Down 1-0 against Duke inside Carmichael Arena, there was no panic from the North Carolina volleyball team. It was business as usual from then on for the Tar Heels, who won the next three sets en route to a 3-1 win on Wednesday against the Blue Devils.
Inspired by strong play from senior Sheila Doyle and a 20-point performance from redshirt sophomore Taylor Leath, the Tar Heels clinched their first ACC title since 2014.
The win gave Coach Joe Sagula his seventh ACC title. He credited his team’s strength at the net in clinching this one against its rival.
“I think the first set we lost it, but I thought we played hard," he said. “I think our physicality took over (and) we were able to block more."
UNC used 12 players in the victory. The Tar Heels have enjoyed great depth all season, but their confidence starts at the top, with fantastic play from Leath, redshirt junior Taylor Fricano and first-year Julia Scoles.
Leath has had a special season. She has earned National Player of the Week honors and has twice been named the ACC Player of the Week. But to her, a conference title trumps all of the personal accolades.
“I think it’s really special, especially for this team," she said. "It's one of those things that we need to do — we’re not only thinking about ACC, but postseason as well. The energy that we brought today is really going to help us and we are gaining momentum at the right time."
Fricano emphasized the importance of the win for the North Carolina seniors.
“It feels amazing ..." she said. "I was getting choked up just thinking about them. All the effort they put into this program, everything they’ve done for this program — that was for them.”
