Duke Welcomes North Carolina, NC State

DURHAM – The Duke volleyball team will begin its four-game homestand with North Carolina Wednesday evening. Opening serve is set for 7 p.m. on ACC Network with Kelly Burke and Kevin Fitzgerald on the call. The Blue Devils welcome NC State Friday for a 6:30 p.m. contest on ACCNX.

SPIKE OUT CANCER

• The Duke volleyball team continues its partnership with the Duke Cancer Institute’s Teen and Young Adult Oncology Program this season with the Spike Out Cancer initiative.The Blue Devils will dedicate their game against North Carolina on Oct. 25 to help raise awareness about and support for teen and young adult cancer. With your support, every spike made by the Blue Devils will raise funds for the Duke Cancer Institute’s TYAO Program.          
• In February of 2019, former Duke volleyball player Jessi Bartholomew (’19) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma shortly after finishing her senior season. She completed six months of chemotherapy as well as two weeks of radiation and is currently in remission.
• This year, First Citizens Bank will double your gift to support this cause. Pledge any amount per spike or make a one-time donation and it will be doubled up to $5,000.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SERIES

NORTH CAROLINA
Duke and North Carolina meet for the 124th time in program history as the Tar Heels lead the all-time series, 68-55. Duke has lost the last five straight and nine of the last 10. Duke last defeated North Carolina at home on Nov. 24, 2017.
NC STATE
Duke and NC State meet for the 105th time in program history as the Blue Devils lead the all-time series, 70-34. Duke has won four of the last six meetings.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS

NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina enters Wednesday’s contest 10-9 overall and 4-6 in the ACC. The Tar Heels most recently dropped a 3-1 decision at No. 13 Georgia Tech. Offensively, North Carolina is led by Mabrey Shaffmaster with 231 kills for 3.61 kills/set and a .219 hitting percentage. Setter Anita Babic leads the way with 387 assists while libero Maddy May owns 260 total digs to pace the defense. Sadie Swift leads the blocking contingent with 77 total blocks, including 12 solo. The Tar Heels are playing to a .201 hitting percentage this season.
NC STATE
NC State enters Friday’s contest 16-5 overall and 6-4 in the conference. It defeated No. 5 Louisville (3-1) earlier…