The past two seasons had resulted in the North Carolina volleyball team defeating the
California Golden Bears in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.
On Friday, however, the Bears returned the favor, bringing the No. 15 Tar Heels’ season
to an abrupt conclusion by sweeping them in straight sets (20-25, 18-25, 20-25) in the
opening round of the 2013 NCAA tournament in Madison, Wis.
The first and second sets were hard-fought by the Tar Heels. Tied at 18 and 15
respectively, Cal used a 3-0 run in each set to attain an edge and ultimately a two set
advantage against UNC.
In the third set, the Tar Heels found themselves down by a score of 10-17, and, despite a
valiant comeback attempt, the deficit proved to be insurmountable.
Sophomore middle blocker Paige Neuenfeldt led the team with 13 kills and a .667 hitting
percentage, and sophomore outside hitter Leigh Andrew finished the night with nine kills
and nine digs.
Cal’s .411 hitting percentage and 11 team blocks proved to be two major factors in North
Carolina’s defeat.
The Tar Heels’ season culminates with a 27-5 overall record and 16-4 record in the ACC.
The season was highlighted by moments such as the Tar Heels appearing at the No. 10
spot in the AVCA Coaches Poll — the highest ranking in program history — and Coach Joe Sagula securing his 700th career victory.
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