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Tar Heels Stay Perfect in ACC Play Chapel Hill provided the perfect stage Wednesday night as No. 25 North Carolina cruised to a 3-0 sweep of longtime rival Duke inside Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels, now 10-2 overall and 3-0 in ACC play, secured their fourth straight victory and their third consecutive sweep. Duke, meanwhile, fell to 4-10 on the season and 1-2 in conference action. The Tar Heels leaned heavily on the dominant duo of Safi Hampton and Hailey Pierce, who combined for 24 kills on a blistering .468 hitting percentage. With their balanced attack and defensive pressure, UNC left little doubt as to which program currently holds the upper hand on Tobacco Road. A Back-and-Forth First Set The opening set saw Duke battle fiercely, matching North Carolina nearly point for point. There were 10 ties throughout the frame, and the Blue Devils even managed to frustrate the Tar Heels with steady serving. But Hampton’s composure at the net gave UNC the edge when it mattered most. The junior outside hitter recorded seven kills in the set, including the final strike that sealed a 25-20 win. Despite the loss, Duke showed flashes of resilience in the opener. Freshman standout Ashby Zubchevich tallied several early kills, while redshirt senior Ngozi Iloh partnered with teammate Williams for a timely block. But UNC’s ability to close runs separated the two sides, as the Heels captured eight of the final 11 points to claim the advantage. Tar Heels Turn Up the Pressure North Carolina seized control in the second set, racing to a 12-5 lead behind contributions from Jackie Taylor and Pierce. Duke responded with a brief rally, narrowing the gap to 13-9 after kills from Zubchevich and sophomore Avery Hamlin. Yet UNC answered with another surge, using their blocking presence and opportunistic serving to re-establish an eight-point cushion. Pierce’s consistency on the right side kept Duke’s defense scrambling, and Taylor’s work in the middle created spacing that the Blue Devils could not match. UNC rolled to a 25-15 win, never once surrendering their lead in the frame. Head coach Mike Schall emphasized afterward that the second set showcased the team’s focus on carrying momentum from one set into the next. Finishing with Authority The third set began with UNC once again striking first, continuing a trend that gave them control throughout the match. Setter Zoe Behrendt set the tone with four consecutive serves, forcing Duke into early defensive mistakes. The Blue Devils briefly threatened, closing within one at 14-13, but the Tar Heels quickly reasserted themselves with a 7-1 run fueled by Hampton’s power and Pierce’s versatility. From there, the result was never in doubt. Redshirt junior middle blocker Lauren Schutter delivered the match-clinching kill to seal a 25-16 win. Hampton and Pierce led the way with 12 kills apiece, while the team as a whole outhit Duke .360 to .100. UNC also doubled Duke in blocks (11.5 to 5) and service aces (6 to 3), leaving little room for the visitors to find rhythm. Bright Spots for the Blue Devils While Duke could not stop North Carolina’s momentum, the match featured encouraging performances from young players. Zubchevich finished with a team-high 11 kills, while fellow freshman Zoë Gillen-Malveaux added eight. Setter Charlotte Glass contributed 13 assists, surpassing 150 for her career. Defensively, Mailinh Godschall notched nine digs, showing grit in the backcourt. Though the loss stung, Duke head coach Jolene Nagel noted that her squad’s youth continues to gain valuable experience in high-pressure conference matches. Facing a top-25 opponent highlighted both the challenges the Blue Devils must overcome and the potential of their talented freshman core. Significance for North Carolina For North Carolina, the sweep carried weight beyond the rivalry. The Tar Heels extended their all-time series lead over Duke to 71-56, including a 46-30 advantage in conference play. More importantly, they remained unbeaten in ACC action, keeping pace near the top of the league standings. Coach Schall has emphasized consistency as a theme this season, and his team delivered it against Duke. UNC has now hit above .300 in six matches this year, a testament to both the precision of Behrendt at setter and the dominance of hitters like Hampton, Pierce, and Taylor. Looking Ahead The Tar Heels and Blue Devils will meet again quickly, as the rivalry shifts to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday, October 4. The rematch offers Duke a chance to rebound and Carolina an opportunity to secure a season sweep for the second straight year. For North Carolina, the victory was another reminder of its rising national profile. With momentum building and a balanced roster firing on all cylinders, the Tar Heels look poised to continue climbing the ACC standings and making noise on the national stage.
Stanford continued its strong start to ACC competition on Sunday afternoon, defeating Virginia Tech in straight sets (25-16, 25-22, 25-20) inside Cassell Coliseum. The victory marked the Cardinal’s second win of the weekend in Virginia, following a four-set triumph over the Cavaliers the previous day. With the result, Stanford improved to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while Virginia Tech fell to 8-4 and 0-2. The sweep also highlighted Stanford’s remarkable consistency. Despite resting star outside hitter Elia Rubin, the Cardinal offense looked sharp and efficient, while Virginia Tech played one of its most spirited matches of the season. The Hokies battled to the final point in front of an energized home crowd, but the visitors’ depth and balance proved decisive. Hokies Push Early Virginia Tech opened the match with energy, keeping pace with Stanford throughout much of the first set. The Hokies were led early by sophomore outside hitter Reese Hazelton, who notched three kills, a service ace, and a dig in the opening frame. Despite the Hokies’ best efforts, Stanford broke an early tie and closed the set on a strong run to secure a 25-16 win. In the second set, Virginia Tech delivered perhaps its most competitive stretch of the afternoon. The Hokies tied the score 11 times and even held brief leads, powered by middle blocker Brianna Holladay’s four kills. Defensive specialist Payton Woods anchored the backcourt with three digs during the frame, helping the Hokies keep rallies alive. Ultimately, however, Stanford’s experience showed as they edged out a 25-22 victory. Cardinal Depth Shines The third set provided fans with the most drama, featuring 11 ties and five lead changes. Woods elevated her play for Virginia Tech, recording six kills in the set alone to keep the Hokies in contention. Ainsley Ranstead also made her presence felt with three kills and three digs in the frame, finishing the match with 11 kills overall. But Stanford, led by freshman standout Julia Blyashov, found answers in the critical moments. Blyashov, filling in for Rubin, was spectacular, tallying 16 kills on an impressive .467 hitting percentage while also adding five digs. Middle blocker Lizzy Andrew continued her hot streak from the Virginia match, posting 14 kills on .500 efficiency. Setter Logan Parks controlled the flow, distributing 42 assists and earning ACC Freshman of the Week honors for her performances across the weekend. Stanford ultimately took the third set 25-20, clinching the sweep and extending its winning streak to seven matches. Hokie Highlights Despite the Loss Although Virginia Tech could not take a set, several players stood out with encouraging performances. Woods led the Hokies with 11 kills, one assist, and five digs, showcasing her growth as a reliable attacker. Hazelton finished with eight kills and added a service ace, while setter Camilla Brandalise contributed 20 assists, eight digs, and one ace. Ranstead’s 11 kills and five digs gave the Hokies balance on the outside. Virginia Tech’s resilience in the second and third sets showed progress, especially against a perennial powerhouse like Stanford. Head coach Marci Byers emphasized the fight her team displayed and pointed to the match as a learning opportunity heading into more ACC battles. Stanford’s National Pedigree For Stanford, the sweep underscored the depth of a program with championship ambitions. The Cardinal are in just their second season in the ACC but already look like one of the league’s most dominant forces. Their balanced offense, highlighted by Andrew and Blyashov, combined with Parks’ steady play at setter, makes them a difficult team to stop. Historically, Stanford has been one of the most successful programs in NCAA volleyball, with nine national titles, 23 Final Four appearances, and 141 NCAA Tournament victories. Under head coach Kevin Hambly, the Cardinal continue to maintain that tradition, now positioning themselves for another deep postseason run. Looking Ahead Virginia Tech will return to Cassell Coliseum for two critical home matches next week, hosting Syracuse on October 3 and Boston College on October 5. Both contests will be streamed live on ACC Network Extra. For the Hokies, they represent opportunities to secure their first ACC victories of the season and build on their competitive showing against Stanford. Stanford, meanwhile, returns home to face Notre Dame on October 3. The Cardinal will look to continue their momentum with another conference win as they prepare for a grueling ACC schedule that includes upcoming showdowns with fellow top-five teams Louisville and Pittsburgh. Sunday’s match served as another reminder of Stanford’s depth and national title potential, but it also highlighted Virginia Tech’s potential to grow into a dangerous competitor as the ACC season unfolds.
Panthers Extend Winning Streak at Home The Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh was buzzing Sunday afternoon as the Panthers once again showed why they are among the nation’s elite. No. 5 Pitt extended its winning streak to 10 matches with a hard-fought four-set victory over No. 11 SMU, taking the match 25-20, 25-22, 26-28, 25-21. The result pushed Pitt’s record to 10-2 overall and 2-0 in ACC competition, while the Mustangs dropped to 8-4 and remain winless in conference play at 0-2. The star of the afternoon was none other than Olivia Babcock. The reigning National Player of the Year was in unstoppable form, registering a career-best 29 kills on .347 hitting while also posting a personal-high 17 digs. Babcock’s versatility—power at the net combined with defensive stability—proved to be the difference maker throughout the match. Setter Brooke Mosher was equally pivotal, notching 52 assists to fuel an offense that finished with a .310 hitting percentage, a mark that often spells victory against ranked opponents. Strong Start for the Panthers The opening set set the tone for what would become a competitive but ultimately Pitt-controlled match. After SMU grabbed an early 4-2 lead behind solid passing, Pitt responded with a decisive 5-0 run that put them ahead for good. The Panthers leaned on balanced scoring, with contributions from Babcock, Blaire Bayless, and middle blocker Ryla Jones. SMU attempted to close the gap late in the frame, but Bayless capped the set with a thunderous kill to secure a 25-20 win for Pitt. In the second set, Pitt once again jumped out quickly, building a 6-1 lead with Mosher’s precise distribution keeping SMU blockers guessing. The Mustangs clawed back within a single point at 20-19, thanks to aggressive swings from Malaya Jones and steady setting from Averi Carlson. Yet Pitt showed composure, responding with a pair of kills from Babcock and Bayless to finish off the set 25-22. The Panthers headed into intermission with a 2-0 cushion and appeared on the brink of another sweep. Mustangs Fight Back in Third SMU showed why it belongs among the nation’s top programs by storming back in the third set. The Mustangs fed off energy from the bench and relied heavily on Casey Batenhorst, whose jump serve created havoc for Pitt’s passers. A pair of consecutive aces gave SMU a 9-5 advantage and forced a Pitt timeout. While Babcock exploded for 13 kills in the third set alone, the Mustangs countered with timely blocking and scrappy defense from libero Reagan Zimmerman. Pitt earned a match point at 26-25, but SMU would not fold. Back-to-back kills from Natalia Newsome and Malaya Jones pushed the Mustangs ahead, and a Pitt hitting error sealed the 28-26 victory for SMU, extending the match to a fourth set and injecting drama into the afternoon. Babcock Finishes the Job The Panthers quickly regrouped in the fourth set, refusing to allow the Mustangs further momentum. Mosher spread the offense beautifully, finding Bayless on the left pin and Jones through the middle. Babcock continued her dominance, adding seven more kills in the frame. Pitt raced out to a 23-17 lead, but SMU responded with a late surge to cut it to 23-20. The rally was short-lived, however, as Babcock fittingly ended the match with her 29th kill to secure the 25-21 set win and a 3-1 overall triumph. Depth and Balance for Pitt Beyond the headline numbers from Babcock, Pitt received key contributions across the board. Bayless notched 12 kills at a .310 clip, Jones added seven blocks to anchor the net, and libero Cat Flood recorded 15 digs to stabilize the back row. The Panthers’ ability to combine firepower with defensive consistency showed why they continue to thrive in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. Mosher’s performance also deserves special mention. Her 52 assists marked a career high, but it was her court leadership—keeping hitters engaged and setting tempo after each long rally—that made the difference. Pitt finished the day with five players recording at least six kills, underscoring the balance in their offense. Mustangs Show Promise Though SMU left Pittsburgh without a win, the Mustangs demonstrated grit and flashes of brilliance that bode well for their season. Malaya Jones and Jadyn Livings paced the offense with 14 kills apiece, while Carlson tallied 48 assists and kept her hitters involved in every rotation. Middle blocker Favor Anyanwu also impressed with 10 kills on .529 hitting, showing efficiency that challenged Pitt’s block. Defensively, SMU hung tough against one of the nation’s most potent attacks, holding Pitt under .300 in two sets and forcing extended rallies that pushed the Panthers to the limit. The third-set comeback was evidence of the team’s competitive resolve. What It Means For Pitt, the victory was another notch in an already impressive season résumé. It marked the Panthers’ sixth win over a ranked opponent and extended their home winning streak at the Petersen Events Center to 16 matches, a run that dates back to 2019. The win also reinforced Pitt’s reputation as a championship contender capable of adjusting under pressure. For SMU, the loss dropped them to 0-2 in ACC play, but the Mustangs gained valuable experience competing in a hostile environment against one of the nation’s top-five teams. Their ability to stretch Pitt to four sets and steal momentum in the third highlighted the program’s growth and potential to make noise as the season progresses. Looking Ahead Pitt now turns its attention to a road trip to face Syracuse, aiming to keep its unbeaten ACC record intact. SMU heads back home to Dallas, where the Mustangs will host Georgia Tech on October 3 in search of their first conference win. Both teams remain firmly in the national conversation, and Sunday’s clash showcased the kind of high-level volleyball fans can expect as the ACC schedule heats up.
Jackets End Losing Streak in Style On a milestone afternoon at O’Keefe Gymnasium, Georgia Tech volleyball ended a four-match skid in emphatic fashion, sweeping Florida State 25-19, 25-19, 25-23 to record the program’s 900th all-time victory. The Yellow Jackets improved to 6-5 overall and 1-1 in ACC play, while the Seminoles dropped to 7-4 and 1-1. What was expected to be a tightly contested match—Florida State entered ranked 22nd by the Evollve Index with a 56% win probability—turned into Tech’s best performance in weeks. The Jackets hit .356 as a team, their highest efficiency of the season, while holding the Seminoles to just .204. Freshman Mimi Mambu led the way with 14 kills on .440 hitting, the best performance of her young career. Career Day for Fiderowicz Outside hitter Anna Fiderowicz delivered her breakout match, making her third career start and producing her first collegiate double-double. She tallied 13 kills, 13 digs, and three blocks, showing poise in pressure moments. Her final swing sealed the third set and the sweep, capping the Jackets’ landmark win. Larissa Mendes added 12 kills on a season-high 35 attempts, while setter Heloise Soares orchestrated the offense with a season-best 47 assists. Soares also achieved a .485 assist percentage, surpassing her previous high set earlier this season against Georgia. Libero Sofia Velez contributed 15 digs, marking the 114th match of her career with double-digit digs. Set One: Jackets Take Control Late The opening frame was tightly contested with 11 ties and five lead changes. Florida State fought evenly until midway through the set, when Mambu sparked a 7-1 run with her fifth kill of the frame. Tech pulled away and closed the set 25-19 behind steady passing and balanced offense. Mendes and Fiderowicz combined for seven kills, while Soares tallied 14 assists in the set alone. Set Two: Tech Stays Steady The second set mirrored the first in competitiveness early, with neither side able to establish separation until Tech went on a three-point spurt to build a 17-13 cushion. Florida State closed the gap to two, but the Jackets answered with a 4-0 run capped by a kill from DeAndra Pierce . Tech again claimed the set 25-19, powered by 20 team kills and a .340 hitting percentage. Set Three: FSU Pushes, Jackets Respond Florida State came alive in the third, led by outside hitter Iane Henke , who had a career-high 21 kills for the match. The Seminoles led 21-19 and appeared poised to extend the contest. But Georgia Tech responded with composure, rallying to win six of the final eight points. A costly service error by FSU at 23-all opened the door for Fiderowicz to finish it off with her 13th kill. The Jackets edged the set 25-23 and completed the sweep. Seminole Standouts Despite the loss, Henke’s performance stood out for Florida State. She became the first Seminole since 2023 to post back-to-back matches with 20 or more kills. Setter Caylan Russ added an ace during a crucial third-set rally, and the Seminoles’ block briefly slowed Tech’s momentum. However, late errors and inconsistency kept FSU from closing out the third. Takeaways for Georgia Tech Sunday’s win was about more than just numbers. It was the first time this season head coach Michelle Collier kept Mendes on the floor in all rotations, a move that stabilized the offense and passing. Tech also out-blocked Florida State 9-5, with Bianca Garibaldi leading the way at the net. The Jackets’ ability to both defend and score efficiently marked a sharp contrast from their recent struggles. Associate head coach Claudio Pinheiro credited Mambu’s improvement in attacking technique, noting that her focus on hitting over the ball rather than underneath it has begun to pay dividends. With Mambu, Fiderowicz, and Mendes all hitting double digits in kills, Tech showed the offensive balance it has been searching for. Looking Ahead The sweep extended Tech’s home winning streak over Florida State to seven straight and gave the Jackets nine victories in their last 10 meetings against the Seminoles. It also marked the 49th consecutive sellout at O’Keefe Gymnasium, underlining the program’s continued support from fans. Next, Georgia Tech faces a major test with its first ACC road trip of the season. The Jackets will travel to Dallas to take on No. 11 SMU on October 3 before visiting No. 5 Pittsburgh on October 5. Florida State, meanwhile, will look to rebound when it heads to Wake Forest for its next conference matchup. Sunday was more than just a win for the Yellow Jackets. It was a statement that, even after early-season stumbles, Georgia Tech still has the talent, balance, and resilience to be a force in ACC volleyball.