Clemson Falls to North Carolina in Three Games

Nov. 11, 2005

Clemson, SC – The Clemson volleyball team fell to North Carolina in front of 1,272 fans at Jervey Gym on Friday night, 3-0 (30-22, 32-30, 30-25). The Tar Heels improved to 20-7 overall, 15-2 in the ACC. The Tigers fell to 10-14 overall, 5-11 in the ACC.

The Tigers were led by a pair of freshmen, Jeannette Abbott and Danielle Hepburn. Abbott totaled 18 kills, a match high, and hit .321 on 53 total attempts. Hepburn, a native of Miami, FL, totaled eight blocks, including four solo efforts. Brittany Ross added 12 kills and set a career-high with 21 digs. Anna Vallinch contributed 15 digs from her libero position.

North Carolina was led by four players in double figures with kills, including 15 by Camilla Ihenetu. She hit .406 in the match. McKenzie Byrd totaled 48 digs for the Tar Heels, while Taylor Rayfield had a match-high 28 digs. Dani Nyenhuis had a find all-around effort with 13 kills and 23 digs.

In the first game, the Tar Heels survived a .157 hitting percentage to claim the 30-22 victory. In the second game, Clemson had 5.0 team blocks, including two solos and two assists by Hepburn. The Tar Heels outdug the Tigers by nine in the game and went on to claim a 32-30 victory after the Tigers had comeback to tie it at 29 apiece. The third and final game featured a .261 hitting percentage by the Tar Heels, who had 20 kills out of their 30 points. For Clemson, Hepburn was again a bright spot with three blocks.

The Tigers return to action on Saturday at 4:30 PM to take on the N.C. State Wolfpack from Jervey Gym.