During the 2014 season, the North Carolina volleyball team won back-to-back matches on 26 separate occasions.
But through 13 matches this season, the Tar Heels had only accomplished that feat once.
That was until Saturday, when UNC swept Wake Forest 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-15) a day removed from defeating Duke in straight sets at Carmichael Arena.
The Tar Heels (6-7, 3-1 ACC) carried the energy and focus from Friday's match into Saturday's, opening the first set on a 4-0 service run by senior setter Jordyn Schnabl. UNC committed only one error in the first set and outhit Wake Forest .520 to .034.
Five of North Carolina's season-high 15 team blocks came in the second set, forcing the Demon Deacons to hit -.320 in a 25-13 win for UNC.
After the Tar Heels manufactured a 7-3 lead in the third and final set, Wake Forest (9-7, 1-3 ACC) clawed back to pull within one point. But UNC reeled off five consecutive points en route to sealing a 25-15 win.
“I’m just real proud of how our team played and performed,” Coach Sagula said. “The fact that this was an important statement for us going forward.”
Senior Victoria McPherson, who recorded a UNC season-best 10 blocks, spoke about the importance of leadership and how her and Paige Neuenfeldt set the tone for the rest of the team.
“The leadership is always there …” said McPherson. “Paige is a very vocal leader…and I’m more in how I play, I like to lead quietly.”
