PHOTOS: South Carolina volleyball secures victory over UNC in battle of the Carolinas

The South Carolina women's volleyball team won against the No. 25 North Carolina Tar Heels in a 3-2 match on Sept. 12 in the Carolina Volleyball Center. Errors early in the game allowed the Tar Heels to build a 19-13 lead against South Carolina, and North Carolina ultimately took the first set. South Carolina tied the second match with combined blocks from sophomore right side Elise Marchal and junior middle Ava Leahy. South Carolina had a strong start to the third set and was able to halt a comeback from North Carolina, but North Carolina took the game to the fifth set after capitalizing on South Carolina's attack errors. The game was won in the fifth set by South Carolina as they closed the match 15-13 in a close fashion. Up next, South Carolina will play Wofford on Monday, Sept. 15. The match will begin at 7 p.m. and can be streamed on SEC Network.

Junior middle Ava Leahy and sophomore right side Elise Marchal chest bump as they celebrate their point in game against the University of North Carolina on Sept. 12, 2025, at Carolina Volleyball Center. Marchal was named the 2024 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year.

Freshman outside hitter Victoria Hill hits the ball around the block during the game against North Carolina on Sept. 12. Hill racked up the second most kills for the Gamecocks with 17.

Senior setter Kimmie Thompson sets the ball over to her teammate to help get a point for the South Carolina Gamecocks. On Sept. 12, the Gamecocks played the 25th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in a nail-biter; the Gamecocks took the victory in five sets.

Junior outside hitter Nia Hall goes for a hit in game aganist University of North Carolina on Sept. 12, 2025, at the Carolina Volleyball Center. Hall previously spent two seasons at Cleveland State.

Senior outside hitter Alayna Johnson sets up her serve during the game aganist the University of North Carolina on Sept. 12, 2024, at the Carolina Volleyball Center.

Freshman outside hitter Victoria Hill goes to block in a game against the University of North Carolina on Sept. 12, 2025, at the Carolina Volleyball Center. In addition to volleyball, Hill competed on the track and field team at Trinity Prep.

Senior middle Emily Beeker celebrates with her team after a big block while playing the North Carolina Tar Heels on Sept. 12. The Gamecocks defeated the ranked Tar Heels, leading to its first ranked win of the season.

The South Carolina women's volleyball team celebrate its win in game against the University of North Carolina on Sept. 12, 2025, at the Carolina Volleyball Center. The South Carolina volleyball team took down its first ranked opponent 3-2.