Hokie ClubChapel Hill, N.C. – The Virginia Tech volleyball team was defeated in straight sets by No. 15 North Carolina (20-5, 13-3 ACC) on Sunday afternoon at Carmichael Arena. The Hokies, now 11-16 overall and 3-13 in ACC play, on the season.
Virginia Tech opened the match with the first point, and the teams remained neck-and-neck early, trading points and staying tied for much of the first set. However, after a media timeout, North Carolina broke the deadlock and seized a 17-13 lead, prompting a timeout from Virginia Tech. The Hokies responded with kills from Isabella Mishler and Sarah Malinowski, plus an ace by Reese Hazelton, closing the gap to 17-18. But UNC countered with a 4-0 run to seal the set 25-20.
In the second set, the Tar Heels went on a quick 3-0 run, but the Hokies battled back, tying the score at 10-10 and forcing a UNC timeout. Coming out of the break, North Carolina regained the lead and, despite Virginia Tech’s efforts to keep it within reach, extended their advantage to 19-15. The Tar Heels took the set 25-19.
The third set saw UNC jump to an early 5-0 lead, with the Hokies working to recover. Despite kills from Payton Woods, Georgia Trexler, and Elizabeth Aylward, North Carolina maintained control. A late 4-0 run from Virginia Tech, including two aces from Ivy Cooper and a Tar Heel attack error, helped trim the deficit to 12-24. However, the Hokies' attack error gave UNC the set and match victory, 25-12.
Up Next:
Virginia Tech returns home to Cassell Coliseum on Nov. 21 to face Wake Forest at 6:00 p.m. ET. The Hokies will also celebrate Senior Day on Nov. 23 at 1:00 p.m. ET against NC State. Both matches will be streamed live on ACCNX.
Match Notes:
- Isabella Mishler recorded five kills with a .333 hitting percentage and added four blocks.
- Sarah Malinowski contributed six kills at a .222 clip, along with one dig and one block.
- Freshman Georgia Trexler posted a career-high two kills.