CHAPEL HILL, N.C.- Appalachian State University volleyball posted a strong effort, but could not muster enough offensive production, and fell short to tournament-host North Carolina Saturday afternoon, dropping a 3-0 decision. The loss is just the Apps third of the season, who are now 9-3 overall, while the win improves UNC to 8-4.
Appalachian got off to a solid start, but after the first set was tied at 10 all, UNC jumped on top, outscoring the Black and Gold 8-2, with Courtney Johnston pacing the Tarheel attack.
Johnston registered a match-high 15 kills.
With North Carolina up 18-12, ASU struggled to put together any offensive cohesiveness, until a Maggie Seeds kill, Caroline Sedon block and a UNC attack error pulled the Apps back within striking distance, down 19-16.
Blocking continued to be Appalachian's strong point as it got the team back into the set. That coupled with Seeds offensive productivity and two more North Carolina errors knotted action at 21 all for the first time since early on.
UNC however, was able to prevail, posting a late 4-1 streak to hand the Mountaineers a 25-22 first set loss.
Second set play was tied at five apiece and Appalachian was able to grab the early 8-6 lead, as consistent play by Seeds and Sedon propelled the Apps.
Not going away quietly though, UNC evened action at eight all and then proceeded to go on a set-changing 6-0 run to take a 14-8 advantage.
Johnston continued to lead the way for the highly-productive Tar Heel offense, but Seeds tried to answer as Appalachian was able to cut its deficit to just three points, making the score 19-16.
Unfortunately, three points would be the closest ASU could make it, with the North Carolina offense giving the Tar Heels' the edge, handing ASU an eight-point second set defeat.
Relentlessly trying to muster a comeback, a resilient Appalachian squad continued to battle with UNC despite falling behind 5-3 early.
The two teams knotted play four more times, with the last time being at 10 all.
ASU was able to capitalize on sloppy UNC play and earn a 12-10 advantage, and hotly-contest play ensued, with both Meghann Forshey and Kelly Rhein stepping up.
A Lauren Brown ace and Rhein kill made it a one-point set, down just 18-17, but the Apps could never get over the one point hump.
Despite back-to-back Rhein kills, North Carolina was able to stave off the chippy Appalachian team and the Mountaineers suffered their first 3-0 loss of the season to their in-state Atlantic Coast Conference foe.
The Black and Gold resume action this afternoon, as they take on their final non-conference foe of the season, Ball State. Action between the Mountaineers and Cardinals is set to start at 5:30 p.m. in Carmichael Arena.
