Nov. 2, 2008
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Sophomore Brittney Grove led the Terrapins with eight kills on .333 hitting as the University of Maryland volleyball team dropped a three-set decision Sunday afternoon to the visiting North Carolina Tar Heels, 25-21, 25-16 and 25-23.
The Tar Heels (15-9, 9-4 ACC) came out strong in the opening set, taking a 13-6 lead early. Maryland (6-19, 2-11 ACC) went on a few big scoring runs, getting within two points three times, but no closer. Up 21-19, the Tar Heels finished the set on a 4-2 run. North Carolina hit .312 in the set, compared to .214 for the Terps.
The Terps led early in set No. 2, 5-4, but the Tar Heels embarked on an 8-1 run to take a six-point lead at 12-6. The closest Maryland could get the rest of the way was a three-point deficit at 13-10 and 14-11, respectively. North Carolina finished the set on a 9-4 run, winning 25-16 to take a two-set lead into the intermission.
Maryland began the third set on a roll and appeared in control most of the way. The Terps scored five of the first six points. Maryland led 10-7 before going on a 5-1 run to take a 15-8 lead and force a North Carolina timeout.
The timeout proved to be crucial for the Tar Heels, as North Carolina scored six consecutive points and nine out of 11 out of the break to take its first lead of the set, 17-16. North Carolina led by as many as three points with a 20-17 cushion before the Terps answered with four straight points to regain the lead, 21-20.
Both sides eventually played to a 23-23 stalemate before the Tar Heels completed the three-set victory with a Lauren Prussing kill and Maryland attack error.
Grove had 11 digs to go with her eight kills. Senior Maggie Schmelzle had six kills and 13 digs for Maryland and sophomore libero Bethany Springer added a team-high 16 digs.
Prussing paced the Tar Heels with a match-high 14 kills on .433 hitting.
The Terps are back at Comcast Pavilion next weekend, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday evening against the Miami Hurricanes. Maryland then plays its final home match of the season at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Florida State Seminoles. Saturday's match is Senior Night and the team will honor seniors Mary Beth Brown, Schmelzle, Tedi Doucet, Meredith Doyle and Kathleen Wilson.
-TERPS-
