After a disappointing start to the year, Duke hopes to keep a winning streak going at UNC
This weekend the women's volleyball team will challenge the Triangle and spark the always heated rivalry between the Blue Devils (6-12, 2-4 in the ACC) and the Tar Heels (14-6, 5-2).
"Our team is really coming together as far as communicating better out there on the court," head coach Jolene Nagel said. "Were starting to really be able to pick things apart in practice and we've really improved."
While their records are almost exactly reversed, Duke's confidence and momentum are up since its performance last weekend against Clemson and No. 4 Georgia Tech. Krista Dill is still leading the team in aggressive offensive attacks, and Stephanie Istvan has proven herself a consistent defensive threat, having recorded a career-high 23 digs against the Yellow Jackets.
Although eventually suffering a loss to Georgia Tech, the offensive and defensive success of individual players confirmed that the forces of the Blue Devils are beginning to combine. Duke as a threat is becoming more of a reality than a potential.
"On defense we're trying to make our blocks better and communicate better digging balls," Nagel said. "On offense, our passing has improved as a team and we're getting better all the time."
Still, North Carolina poses a considerable threat. The Blue Devils offensive-defensive duo of Dill and Istvan are countered by Molly Pyles and Caroline deRoeck for the Tar Heels. Pyles has accumulated 257 kills so far this season and deRoeck leads the team with 232 digs.
N.C. State (6-14, 0-6) poses less of a threat for Saturdays matchup, though Duke plans on taking it on with the same gravity as it will UNC. The Wolfpack have yet to record a conference win, dropping seven straight games so far this season.
"We're excited to play both of these team,especially UNC on Midnight Madness," Dill said. "It's a great opportunity to beat them in front of a lot of people."
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