In their second game of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, the North Carolina volleyball team (5-3) saw their third loss of the season against Michigan (7-1), 3-0, at Carmichael Arena on Saturday evening.
What happened?
The Tar Heels had a strong start to the game, with multiple successful blocks that allowed them to take the early lead. Michigan did not allow North Carolina to get very far ahead on the scoreboard by showing their ability to generate firepower from their kills. The Tar Heel’s lack of offensive power and several errors gave Michigan the opportunity to win the set 25-20.
A weak start to the second half gave Michigan a sizable advantage, but North Carolina was able to cut the distance with some strong offensive play and tie the set at 23-23. Graduate outside hitter Charley Niego’s strong attacking capabilities were critical for the Tar Heels to remain alive in the second set.
Michigan still ended up taking the set 26-24, giving them a 2-0 lead in the match.
North Carolina was steadily behind on the scoreboard throughout the third and final set of the match. As in the other sets, Michigan’s firepower at the net was unrivaled by the Tar Heels. The Wolverines defeated North Carolina 25-23 in the third set, closing out the match 3-0.
In the end, it was Michigan’s strong attacking capabilities that overpowered the Tar Heels. Michigan had 44 kills to North Carolina's 34.
Who stood out?
North Carolina’s attack was led by Niego. She helped the team at the net with 30 attacks and seven kills. Niego’s excellent attacking abilities allowed the Tar Heels to remain competitive until the end of the match.
