The No. 25 UNC volleyball team (5-1) is ready to host three home matches this week. They kick things off against App State (7-1) on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Carmichael Arena. On Friday, they’ll face Kansas State, also at 6 p.m., and then on Sunday, East Carolina will visit Chapel Hill.
Last week, the Tar Heels had a notable victory, sweeping No. 11 Florida—one of their best wins in almost ten years. This week marks the beginning of a stretch where they will play six of their next seven matches against in-state rivals. Along with App State and ECU, they’ll take on Wake Forest, NC State, and Duke.
### Quick Facts
– A win against App State would extend UNC’s winning streak against them to 28 matches.
– Coach Mike Schall holds a 6-4 record against in-state teams during his time at Carolina.
– This is the first time since last season that UNC is ranked in the AVCA Coaches Poll.
### Home Crowd Energy
The Tar Heels opened their home season strong, winning both matches. They defeated Bucknell in four sets and swept Oral Roberts, showcasing the depth of their roster with all 17 players getting to play. Freshman Bridget Malone stood out with 10 kills in just three sets, while Lauren Schutter had a career-high with seven blocks in her first start.
### Key Performers
Safi Hampton has been a powerhouse, leading the team with 47 kills this season. Hampton was also named to the 2025 Preseason All-ACC Team after a breakout sophomore year. The team’s balanced attack has seen multiple players hitting double digits in kills during their matches, indicating a well-rounded offense.
### Building Team Chemistry
New transfers Laynie Smith and Emily Bobbitt have prior club connections that should help them gel quickly with the team. Coach Schall, who previously worked at Triangle Volleyball Club, has cultivated strong relationships within the program, which can enhance team dynamics.
### Historical Context
Historically, UNC has had strong performances against in-state rivals. The current run against local teams is designed to build momentum leading into tougher matches later in the season. This strategy has been effective in past seasons, helping elevate team morale and on-court performance.
### Looking Ahead
As the Tar Heels prepare for their busy week, Coach Schall aims to build on the foundation of the previous seasons. The team’s performance against quality opponents will be crucial for their standing in upcoming rankings. In their early matches, they’ll also face ten teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last year, offering both challenges and valuable experience.
In summary, UNC volleyball is off to an exciting start, with a mix of strong performances from returning players and new talent. As they face off against familiar foes, the camaraderie they’ve built could prove pivotal in their quest for success this season.
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