Tar Heels defeat women’s volleyball in four sets
The Colorado Invitational wrapped up on Saturday as CU fell to the University of North Carolina after four matches with a final score of 3-1.
The Buffs kept the Tar Heels to close games throughout the match, 17-25, 23-25, 21-25 and 25-27.
Junior outside hitter Emilee Sisco finished the night with 14 kills and five digs. Sophomore Schylur Edelman contributed nine kills and Lauren Schaefer and Kaitlyn Burkett each had six kills.
Although the team ends the invitational 0-3, Sisco said she is looking to the future.
“I think everyone is a little discouraged,” Sisco said. “But it’s really good that we’ve gotten some better competition, because the teams we were playing the two weeks before this are not anything like the teams we will face in conference.”
The Buffs began the first set slowly, allowing North Carolina to go up 6-1 quickly. The Tar Heels stayed on top for the rest of the match, but CU was able to shrink their lead and get an ace.
The numbers proved that the first set was not very good for the Buffs. They totaled two team blocks, whereas their opponents totaled six.
The Buffs went into the second set looking like a new team. They played point for point until they took a lead 14-8.
However, the Buffs encountered a few problems during the set. There were several times when a lack of communication caused players to miss the ball.
Sophomore middle blocker Schylur Edelman said the team needs to focus more on these issues.
“I think the mental aspect is what we’re really missing,” Edelman said. “Little mental lapses are what are really killing us.”
The girls were still able to take the set 25-23.
The third set began similarly to the first with a slow start by CU. The Buffs were able to fight hard and finish only four points behind the Tar Heels.
They again found themselves four points behind North Carolina at the start of the fourth match. The Heels went up quickly 4-8, but the Buffs came back and tied it up 22-22.
The tie continued until CU went up 25-24 with the opportunity to push the game into five matches. But the Tar Heels came back and won 27-25.
The Buffs open Big 12 play against the University of Kansas on Wednesday Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Head coach Pi’i Aiu said he hoped his team would be more successful in league play.
“I hope we can get them there because they deserve it,” Aiu said. “They’re working hard and doing some nice things.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelly Kirksey at kelly.kirksey@colorado.edu
