Ryleigh Heck scored the game-winning goal with 2:35 remaining in the fourth quarter to help the No. 3 UNC field hockey team escape an upset bid at No. 19 Albany on Sunday afternoon.

The Great Danes took the fight to the Tar Heels early, leading 2-1 at the half after outshooting Carolina 13-2. UNC regained its footing in the third quarter, outshooting Albany 8-3 and using a pair of goals from Paityn Wirth and Kiersten Thomassey to take the lead.

After Albany tied the game going into the fourth quarter, Carolina locked down on defense and waited for its chance to strike. The Great Danes didn’t get a shot off in the final 15 minutes and took no penalty corners. UNC’s offense wasn’t exactly potent in the quarter either, but finally broke the deadlock on Heck’s goal off a penalty corner. It was Carolina’s first penalty corner of the quarter.

Albany pulled the goalie for the final 2:35 but still could not get a shot off. UNC still trailed on shots on the day for the second straight game, but nevertheless improved to 11-2 on the season and a perfect 6-0 in true road games. Carolina will bring that spotless road record into its last away game of the regular season at No. 8 Virginia on October 20 at 4 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Ainsley E. Fauth

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