No. 25 Carolina Volleyball Clinches Fourth Consecutive Sweep Over Duke with Dominant 3-0 Win

In a thrilling match that showcased the Tar Heels’ prowess, No. 25 Carolina Volleyball clinched its fourth consecutive sweep over Duke with a convincing 3-0 win. The match, which ended with a score of 25-14, 25-17, and 25-23, marked a significant milestone for the team, solidifying their position in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

A Strong Start

The Tar Heels got off to a flying start, opening the first set with a 4-0 run. They never looked back, riding the wave of momentum all the way to the end. Four aces from UNC players helped to widen the gap, and despite Duke’s efforts to cut the lead, the Tar Heels maintained their dominance. A 7-1 run further extended their lead to 15-8, and another 4-0 run pushed the gap to 21-11. The set ended with a score of 25-14, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

Consistency in the Second Set

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Duke opening with a 4-3 lead. However, once UNC took a 5-4 lead, they never relinquished control. The Blue Devils managed to tie the set a couple of times, but the Tar Heels always responded, showcasing their consistency and determination. Safi Hampton’s impressive performance in the second set, with six kills on only eight swings, helped to put UNC up 2-0 and set the stage for the sweep.

A Nail-Biter in the Third Set

The third set was a different story, with Duke hanging around and even taking a 20-19 lead late in the set. But the Tar Heels showed their resilience, with kills from Hailey Pearce and Hampton giving them the lead back. A 4-0 run sealed the deal, pushing the score to 24-21, and the Tar Heels went on to take the set 25-23, clinching the sweep.

Star Performances

Safi Hampton was a standout player for the Tar Heels, earning her place on the AVCA 2025 Player of the Year Watch List. She showed why she’s a top contender, with an impressive performance in the match. Emily Bobbitt also made a significant contribution, serving up a career-high four aces, which accounted for half of the team’s season-high eight aces.

A Perfect Start to the ACC Season

The win takes UNC to 4-0 in the ACC, with five consecutive wins overall. This is the first 4-0 start in league play for the Tar Heels since 2016, when they started 11-0. The team will look to maintain their momentum as they head on the road for their next four matches, starting with a trip to Clemson.

High CPC Keywords Used:

• “Volleyball” ($1.22 CPC)
• “ACC Matchup”
• “Tar Heels vs Blue Devils”
• “College Sports”
• “University of North Carolina Athletics”

Key Takeaways:

• No. 25 Carolina Volleyball clinched its fourth consecutive sweep over Duke with a 3-0 win.
• Safi Hampton was a standout player, earning her place on the AVCA 2025 Player of the Year Watch List.
• Emily Bobbitt served up a career-high four aces in the match.
• The Tar Heels are now 4-0 in the ACC, with five consecutive wins overall ¹.