After a statement victory against No. 14 Florida State on Thursday, the North Carolina volleyball team reaffirmed its status as a serious candidate for the ACC championship with a definitive 3-0 (25-21 25-17 25-21) win against the Miami Hurricanes on Friday.
The ‘Canes took an early 2-1 lead in the first set, but this would be their last lead of the night, as a Courtney Johnston kill to tie the match at two marked the end of UNC chasing from behind. The second set proved much of the same as the Tar Heels gained an early lead and held it behind several crucial digs from Kaylie Gibson, who finished with 22 digs through three sets.
When UNC opened the third set 16-4, the match looked to be over. But the Hurricanes did not relent, pushing the game to 23-21. After a UNC timeout, the comeback was put down, but Courtney Johnston described the minor setback as “completely unacceptable.”
Though the Tar Heels victory may not have been without flaws, their two ACC victories this weekend put them in good position as they prepare to face rivals Wake Forest and Duke on the road next week.
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