Oct 18, 2002
Upset in Terps' sights against UNC
Team looking to stop Tar Heels' strong 'first ball' offensive attack
By Scott Clipp
Staff writer

Two Terps go up for the block at the Terrapin Invitational earlier this season. RYAN OWEN -THE DIAMONDBACK

The schedule does not get much easier for the Terrapin volleyball team.

Not much easier at all.

After dropping yet another five-game match at Florida State last weekend, the Terps (13-8, 2-4 ACC) return home to Ritchie Coliseum to host 11th-ranked North Carolina tonight.

The Tar Heels (18-1, 5-0 ACC) have captured three consecutive ACC tournament titles and have won their last 10 games since falling to No. 8 Minnesota in the University of Minnesota Tournament a month ago.

North Carolina's strong play can be attributed to the leadership of senior outside hitter Laura Greene, a first team All-ACC selection last season and current team leader in kills.

Along with Greene, the Tar Heels boast several other strong outside hitters. Senior Malaika Underwood, last year's ACC tournament MVP, and sophomore Molly Pyles, who is second on the team in kills, have helped to pace North Carolina in their 18-1 start.

"They have a very balanced team," said Terp coach Janice Kruger. "They have a great first ball attack and they make no mistakes. They will force you to stay in the play. Our defense and blocking will be key."

What the Terps do have on their side is a little history. Last season the Terps knocked off then-25th-ranked North Carolina at Ritchie. Senior setter Lindsay Davey knows how important that victory is in boosting her teammates confidence going into tonight's match.

"I think that gives us a lot of confidence," said Davey. "They are the number-one team to beat again this year in the conference. We came in off a losing streak last year when we played them, just like this year. We are ready to get this one under our belt, especially a big game like this."

The Terp defense will have to come up big in order to stop a surging Tar Heel team that has not dropped a match since Sept. 14.

Kruger understands how big an upset of the conference power would be for her squad, being that the Terps have lost eight of their last 10 matches after starting the season with 11 straight wins.

"A win would be tremendous for our season," said Kruger. "We feel like we can play with Carolina and we have been very close to beating some top teams in a couple of matches this season. It's a very big match."

Following the match with North Carolina, the Terps will host N.C. State tomorrow night at 5 p.m.