The previously undefeated North Carolina volleyball team (11-1, 0-1 ACC) suffered its first loss of the season in a 3-1 defeat to No. 4 Pittsburgh (11-0, 1-0 ACC) on Friday night.
What happened?
The match between the two unbeaten teams served as an essential game for the Tar Heels, who are fighting to secure a spot in the top 25.
The two teams proved to be relatively evenly matched. North Carolina put up a strong fight in the first set, but the Panthers were able to pull ahead quickly and won the set, 25-17. The Tar Heels came out ready to redeem themselves in the second set, scoring the first three points. This set remained far closer than the first, but Pittsburgh was still able to secure a 25-20 win.
It was “do or die'' for the Tar Heels in the third set. UNC scored the first six points of the set, but as demonstrated in the second set, scoring the first several points wouldn’t guarantee a victory. However, this set had a different outcome than the one that preceded it. North Carolina led the entire set and dominated its way to a 25-9 win.
UNC knew its back was against the wall in the fourth set. The team was able to keep the score very close, but ultimately lost, 25-21. Tonight’s 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh ended an 11-game winning streak and an undefeated season for the Tar Heels.
Who stood out?
Despite the loss, North Carolina was able to hold its own against the No. 4 Panthers, which was highlighted by the production of several key players.
First-year outside hitter Mabrey Shaffmaster led the team in kills, attacks and points. She recorded a total of 15 kills, 39 attacks and 15.5 points. Graduate student outside hitter Nia Robinson wasn’t far behind her in any of these statistics, and junior libero Karenna Wurl led the team in digs with 14.
