The North Carolina volleyball team (4-0) played in their first of three games this holiday weekend against Colorado State (0-3). The Tar Heels defeated the Rams in an extremely close game, winning three sets to two.
What happened?
The Rams won the first set 25-21 despite the Tar Heels’ efforts in the beginning. with graduate outside hitter Nia Parker-Robinson leading the team with three kills in a row early on. UNC looked to finally ace the Rams in the next set to help secure a victory.
After the second set, Colorado State topped the Tar Heels 25-19, ending with back-to-back aces to lead in sets 2-0. First-year outside hitter Mabrey Shaffmaster had three kills, but it was not enough to secure the large gap that North Carolina needed.
In the third set, UNC switched things up to give itself a 25-16 victory, cutting the CSU advantage to 2-1. The team's energy was electric right off the bat and with senior middle hitter Amanda Phegley entering the game, the Tar Heels fulfilled their expectations. Parker-Robinson maintained her energy throughout the third set, taking control of the period and giving her teammates the confidence it needed to win the set.
UNC and Colorado State battled to capture the fourth set. It continued to go back and forth until UNC stepped up and used its momentum from the third set to force a fifth set. They won the set 25-23.
After a heightened effort given from both teams, as well as extra points in the fifth set, the Tar Heels defeated the Rams 17-15 to secure the win.
Who stood out?
UNC volleyball coach Joe Sagula said, “I have to give credit to Meghan Neelon and Nia Parker-Robinson who demonstrated unbelievable leadership.”