The No. 25 North Carolina volleyball team (5-0) swept No. 11 Florida (4-2), 3-0, on Tuesday night in Carmichael Arena to remain undefeated.
The Tar Heels started off strong in the first set, with two quick kills by junior outside hitter Safi Hampton. The Gators also started out just as strong, matching North Carolina's energy with a kill nearly each time.
However, Florida delivered multiple errors handing over a handful of points. The Tar Heels were able to build up to a five point lead in the first set, which assisted them in securing a 1-0 lead. Hampton landed the final kill despite the Gators creeping up due to attack errors.
North Carolina was first on the board in the second set with Hampton once again striking first.
The Tar Heels set a trend by claiming an early lead, which they held on to the entire set thanks to sharp hits by Hampton, as well as redshirt junior outside hitter Chelsea Thorpe. UNC jumped to an 11 point lead over the Gators in the second set. Florida delivered a back to back service and attack error which secured a 25-18 win over the second set, 2-0.
At the end of the second set, Hampton was the kill leader for the game, and the only statistic leading Tar Heel.
At the start of the third set, UNC claimed the scoreboard first once again putting up an ace by sophomore libero Julia Bohlinger. Florida snapped back into their scoring and remained neck and neck with the Tar Heels, even taking a lead for the first time since the first set.
North Carolina quickly caught up tying in the middle of the set for 12-12 with a kill from Thorpe. The Tar Heels reclaimed their lead after trading back and forth service errors with the Gators. With a Florida service error, UNC won the set 25-21 and secured the 3-0 win.
The Tar Heels will face South Carolina in Columbia at 6 p.m. on Friday.