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The Daily Tar Heel

UNC volleyball swept by Florida State for fourth consecutive loss

20210914_Westra_womens-volleyball-unc-vs-elon-1.jpg
Grad Student Outside Hitter Nia Robinson (18) spikes the ball in the UNC win against Elon University on September 14, 2021.

The North Carolina volleyball team (11-4, 0-4 ACC) was swept on the road against Florida State (10-3, 3-1 ACC) on Sunday, marking the Tar Heels’ fourth consecutive loss.

What happened?

The Seminoles took the first set after a dominant offensive performance that resulted in a 25-17 win. Outside hitter Nia Robinson tallied three kills in this set, a number that was matched by first-year outside hitter Mabrey Shaffmaster.

UNC gained some momentum at the start of the second set, taking an early 7-3 lead over the Seminoles. But after a four-point series of receiving and hitting errors by North Carolina’s offense, the Seminoles had the upper hand once again. 

Robinson was able to put five kills away this set, and middle blocker Amanda Phegley provided a much-needed offensive spark with her four kills. Despite these offensive pushes, though, the Tar Heels dropped the set, 25-17.

North Carolina was able to improve its performance in the third set thanks to service and attacking errors by Florida State. However, the Seminoles made a late offensive push in the set to give them an advantage over the Tar Heels, and UNC fell to Florida State in a clean sweep when the final set ended in the Seminoles’ favor, 25-20. 

Who stood out? 

Robinson provided the Tar Heels with an offensive spark that was needed throughout the entire match. She totaled 13 kills, and had the highest hitting percentage for North Carolina with a 0.240. 

Shaffmaster proved her utility in both the front and back rows against the Seminoles, totaling nine kills and seven digs in the match while boasting the second-highest hitting percentage at 0.161.

UNC’s defense was statistically better than Florida State’s, as the Tar Heels finished with 43 digs in the match. Junior libero Olivia Diaz anchored the defensive effort with 12 digs, and even chipped in three assists.

When was it decided?

Late in the third set, the Seminoles made a four-point offensive push to give them a 20-16 advantage. A kill by Robinson stopped the run, and the Tar Heels fought to catch up with a series of offensive attacks by Robinson and junior outside hitter Parker Austin. 

A kill by Florida State’s Morgan Chacon gave the Seminoles the final point to close the match with a sweep. 

Why does it matter?

After the loss, the Tar Heels fell to 0-4 in conference play, putting the team at the bottom of ACC standings with Virginia Tech. 

Their previously untarnished overall record now stands at 11-4 with all four losses coming from conference opponents. 

When do they play next?

The Tar Heels are set to take on Wake Forest in Carmichael Arena this coming Friday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.

@DTHSports | sports@dailytarheel.com

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