With 18 consecutive home ACC wins under its belt, Duke puts its streak on the line tonight against a bitter rival, taking on North Carolina at Cameron Indoor Stadium at 6 p.m.
After cruising to easy victories against Maryland and Boston College in Durham last weekend, the Blue Devils (12-6, 6-3 in the ACC) will face a bigger test against the Tar Heels (16-4, 8-1), who have won 10 out of their last 11 matches. Duke trails North Carolina in the all-time series 50-44, but has come out on top in the last four matchups, including both times the teams met last year.
This is the first year that the Blue Devils will face the Tar Heels only once during conference play since 1996, so there will be no opportunity for a rematch later in the regular season.
“We’re going to have to play one of the best matches we’ll play all year in order to compete [tomorrow],” North Carolina head coach Joe Sagula said. “Duke plays very well at home and they have multiple veterans who know how to win. They also have good blocking and a fast offense and we haven’t seen a team like that yet.”
The Blue Devils will continue to rely on senior setter Kellie Catanach, who led the team against the Terrapins last Saturday with 37 assists, eight digs and nine kills, mostly setting senior attackers Amanda Robertson and Sophia Dunworth.
“We need to stay crisp and efficient and play our game,” Robertson said. “We know that they have go-to targets that they’ll set a lot, but as long as we focus on our side and play smart and play confident, I think we can get a good result.”
While the Blue Devils recognize the importance of this match, they are not letting the rivalry influence their mindset.
“I think Carolina’s playing really well and I think we have to use the advantage that we’re able to be home with our fans,” Duke head coach Jolene Nagel said. “[North Carolina is] solid in all their positions. We have to come ready to go after it and be aggressive. It’s Duke-Carolina, so that in itself brings a lot of emotion, but I want us to work to execute like we’re able.”
The Blue Devils will need to focus on containing North Carolina’s multiple key offensive threats, particularly outside hitters junior Emily McGee and sophomore Kayla Berringer. The pair has proven powerful in ACC play with 278 and 193 kills on the season, respectively. McGee is an asset on the defensive end as well, boasting 216 digs—the second highest on the team—and double-doubles in five of the Tar Heels’ last six matches.
“McGee is important, but we can’t have it be a one person show,” Sagula said. “We need balance and four hitters to contribute to be successful.”
Tia Gaffen and Chaniel Nelson will try to keep the load off McGee. The two have combined for 346 kills this season
“It’s always a good match when we play Duke,” Sagula said. “Tomorrow could come down to anything. One good pass, serve or dig on either team could end up making the difference.”
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