Oct. 1, 2009

Box Score

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Sophomore Maddi Lee posted a team-high 15 kills Thursday evening at North Carolina, but the University of Maryland volleyball team lost in four sets in an Atlantic Coast Conference clash with the Tar Heels, 25-21, 25-27, 17-25 and 17-25.

The Terrapins (9-8, 1-3 ACC) came out strongly, holding the Tar Heels (6-8, 2-1 ACC) to .060 hitting in the opening set, paving the way for a four-point win. The opening frame was close throughout the entirety of the set. A 3-0 Maryland run gave the Terps a 21-17 lead late. Up 23-21, the Terps took the set on a kill by Katie Usher and a service ace from Bethany Springer.

After the victory in the first stanza, Maryland controlled the action for most of the second set. Holding a 22-16 lead, the Terps appeared well on their way to a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the break.

However, North Carolina called a timeout to regroup and the tide of the match turned completely in the Tar Heels' favor afterward. The Heels scored the next four points out of the timeout before Usher recorded a kill to make the score 23-20 in Maryland's favor. Usher added another kill soon after to give Maryland two set points at 24-22.

The set-clinching point proved the toughest one to gain, though. Three straight Maryland attack errors put North Carolina up one at 25-24. Lee kept the Terps alive briefly, producing a tying kill to knot the score at 25. That was as close as Maryland would get. North Carolina's Suzanne Haydel posted back-to-back kills to complete the comeback for the Heels, giving them a 27-25 win to tie the match at 1.

Spurred on by the momentum-grabbing comeback in the second set, the Heels got in an offensive groove the rest of the way. North Carolina hit .314 and .294 in sets three and four, respectively, both 25-17 wins for the Heels.

Usher had 14 kills and a pair of service for the Terps. Three Maryland players registered at least 18 digs, led by Sam Rosario's match-best 25. Springer and Brittney Grove each had 18, as well. Lisa Scott had six blocks to lead all players.

Haydel led all scorers with 21 kills for North Carolina.

Maryland completes the current road trip at 7 p.m. Friday at NC State.

- TERPS -