On Friday evening, the North Carolina volleyball team (19-5, ACC 11-4) secured a 3-1 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-15, ACC 2-13) at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana.
The Tar Heels established control early, capitalizing on Notre Dame's attack errors. Senior outside hitter Mabrey Shaffmaster led the offense with multiple kills, while middle blocker Alexis Engelbrecht contributed key blocks. North Carolina maintained their momentum throughout the set, closing it out at 25-18.
Notre Dame looked to regroup in the second set, with senior outside hitter Sydney Palazzolo delivering a series of powerful kills. Setter Phyona Schrader distributed assists to Palazzolo and middle blocker Mallory Bohl, helping the Fighting Irish gain an early 11-8 advantage.
The Tar Heels fought back behind sophomore outside hitter Chelsea Thorpe, who recorded two key kills to keep the score close. Late in the set, UNC attempted a rally, narrowing the gap to 23-22 on a kill by graduate outside hitter Emani' Foster and a Notre Dame attack error.
Notre Dame then delivered a service ace to close out the set, securing a 25-22 win and leveling the match at 1-1.
The third set was a back-and-forth battle. North Carolina's offense, led by Foster, surged ahead. Notre Dame kept pace with contributions from Palazzolo, but critical errors allowed the Tar Heels to pull away. A decisive kill by Foster secured the set for North Carolina at 25-19, giving them a 2-1 lead in the match.
Determined to close out the match, North Carolina maintained pressure in the fourth set. Shaffmaster and Foster continued to deliver offensively, while Engelbrecht continued to stifle Notre Dame's attacks.
Notre Dame fought, with Palazzolo adding to her kill tally, but the Tar Heels' balanced play proved too much. North Carolina clinched the set 25-21, securing a 3-1 match victory.
Next, the Tar Heels face No. 3 Louisville on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.
