The NC State volleyball team will be hosting rival UNC-Chapel Hill Wednesday evening inside Reynolds Coliseum at 7:00 p.m. With both teams sitting at a 0-2 conference record for the season, the battle between the Wolfpack (5-9) and the Tar Heels (3-9) will be intense to inch its way up the ladder of the ACC.

Let’s take a look at some of the key players for NC State and UNC:

Grace Irvin, NC State

Senior defensive specialist Grace Irvin will be one of the team’s top components in defeating the Tar Heels this week. With 116 total digs, the agile defender has averaged 2.07 digs per set this season. Irvin continually sets up her offense to put the ball away.

Parker Austin, UNC

Outside hitter Parker Austin is currently leading her team in kills with 118 and 14 total blocks. The 6’2 hitter has stepped her game up into becoming one of the top offensive players for UNC, but also carries her weight on the backline with 88 digs this season.

Melissa Evans, NC State 

Junior opposite position player Melissa Evans has easily become NC State’s most vital attacker at the net as she leads the Pack in kills with a whopping 220 on the season. With her ability to jump above the blockers, the junior has averaged putting down 3.52 kills per set.

Skyy Howard, UNC

Middle blocker Skyy Howard has quickly moved her way up the chain as she’s leading the Tar Heels with 40 total blocks this season, giving UNC a defensive advantage at the net. Averaging 1.03 blocks per set, Howard will easily become Evans’ largest competition on the front line.

Lauryn Terry, NC State

Senior middle blocker Lauryn Terry will be dominating up at the net against UNC after she’s racked up 59 blocks on the season, eight of which were solo. The 6’3 blocker has held her weight on the front line allowing for no openings for the hitters to get through.

Lauren Harrison, UNC

Outside hitter Lauren Harrison has tallied up 104 kills this season in just 31 sets played. Averaging 3.35 kills per set, Harrison has showcased her ability to maneuver around the blocks to get the ball through onto the opponent’s side.

First serve between the Wolfpack and Tar Heels is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. inside Reynolds Coliseum with live coverage from ACC Network.