The North Carolina volleyball team lost more than a match on Friday.
UNC (2-6) dropped its second consecutive home game when it lost to Michigan State 3-1 (25-15, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22) on Friday in Carmichael Arena. The defeat marks the first time the Tar Heels have lost consecutive home matches since the 2009 season.
Perhaps more important to the Tar Heels’ season, the team lost junior opposite hitter Hayley McCorkle to an Achilles injury.
“She (McCorkle) is our most consistent go-getter on the right side so losing her was huge for us,” said senior middle hitter Paige Neuenfeldt. “It sucks that she’s out for the whole season, and we really need people to step up now.”
The team adjusted after the injury. It won the third set without McCorkle before dropping a tight fourth set to conclude the match. The Tar Heels began the match sluggishly, falling behind by two sets. The Spartans’ powerful spikes proved too much to overcome for the North Carolina defense.
Senior setter Jordyn Schnabl said the team had numerous chances to improve, but failed to take advantage of them.
“We lost a lot of opportunities to get better today,” she said.
There was one positive to emerge from an otherwise dismal game. Neuenfeldt shined for the Tar Heels, finishing with a team-high 14 kills. She powered North Carolina's offense in the final two sets.
Neuenfeldt said the Tar Heels need to consistently apply what they learn in practice during games to avoid future losses.
