Oct. 21, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Two Maryland seniors broke the 1,000 career-kill mark tonight as the Terps defeated the Tar Heels in four games (30-17, 25-30, 30-20, 30-24) before a packed crowd of 1,321 at the Comcast Center. The win boosts the Terrapins' record to 10-1 (19-1 overall) as the Tar Heels fall to 8-2 in the ACC (13-7 overall).

Rachel Wagener's 13 kills for the night brings her total career-kills to 1011. The game-high of 15 kills for Stephanie Smith brings her career-kill total to 1009. The achievement for Wagener and Smith lists them as #8 and #9, respectively, in Maryland's all-time career list for kills.

Wagener stated, "It's a great accomplishment, and to share this with Stephanie on the same day in our senior year makes it very special. It is a real privilege to be in the company of people that I've admired like Carey Brennan and Maria DiLivio."

"I'm proud of Rachel and Stephanie," coach Janice Kruger said. "They really know to lead on the court. The whole season has been about the total play of the team. We depend on everyone to do their job. If someone is having a down time, other players pick it up."

The Terps have won 25 of their last 27 matches and are listed #26 in the CSTV/AVCA Division I Coaches poll.

The win against North Carolina was an emotional one for the Terps.

"It's the biggest win of the season," sophomore outside hitter Jade Brown said.

Maryland out hit North Carolina tonight .198 to .098 (67 kills-46), blocks (13-8.5), and digs (73-72). Stephanie Doiron led the team with 24 digs as four players had ten or more kills: Maggie Schmelzle (11), Rachel Wagener (13), Jade Brown (14) and Stephanie Smith (15).

Maryland fell behind in the first game 3-6, but swiftly got back in action after a North Carolina error. Senior Smith and Schmelzle shared a block to bring the game to 8-8. At Schmelzle's serve at 12-11, the Terps quickly gained seven points. After a missed block, the Terps regained serving possession on a kill by Wagener. With Doiron at the helm, Maryland surged ahead and scored six points to go up 25-13 and win the game soundly at 30-17 on a kill by Smith.

The second game proved to be more fierce as the Terps offense struggled. Again Maryland was behind early, but a block by Mary Beth Brown Wagener brought the Terps to a 14-10 lead. North Carolina's outside hitter Lauren Prussing was effective as the Tar Heels hit 19 kills in the second game. North Carolina's blocking provided the final blow as the Terps lost the second game25-30.

Maryland led the entire third-game and displayed powerful blocking and serving. Two service aces by Beth Gillming helped build Maryland's lead at 15-12. J. Brown had a kill for the Terps to go up 26-17. The Terps hit .144 and kept the Tar Heels to .056 in the third game.

The fourth game was a tough contest for the Terps as well. Maryland built a small lead, but at 16-15 it seemed as though Carolina was closing in. Smith responded with a kill down the line and was followed up by a kill from Mary Beth Brown. Papp paired up with Jade Brown for an assist to bring the Terps to go 27-20 with the Terps prevailing at 30-24.

Maryland will play North Carolina State on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the Comcast Center.