But on Sunday, the Tar Heels’ 18-game winning streak against the ACC came to an end with a 3-0 loss against Pittsburgh (25-23, 25-18, 25-23).
UNC started off strong in its ACC opener on Friday, defeating Virginia Tech 3-1 (25-15, 26-28, 25-15, 25-7). But the Tar Heels (4-7, 1-1 ACC) failed to carry this momentum to their Sunday match against Pittsburgh.
“We had a great attitude on Friday against Virginia Tech,” said senior setter Jordyn Schnabl. “We need to be able to maintain that same level for two whole matches in a weekend, not just one.”
Coach Joe Sagula credited the victory over Virginia Tech to strong serving and passing. The Tar Heels outhit the Hokies .313 to .087 and posted 12 blocks.
Dominant play by senior middle blockers Victoria McPherson and Paige Neuenfeldt helped carry the Tar Heels to a victory over the Hokies, but Sunday’s match was a different story from Friday’s.
The Panthers outhit the Tar Heels .303 to .198 on Sunday. UNC is known for its dominant front row defense, but the team failed to produce its typical block output, totaling only seven blocks overall.
“Blocking is something you cannot always count on to be your number one skill,” Sagula said. “It’s not the one thing we want to look to to carry us. We have to pass well, serve well and be more efficient overall.”
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