The No. 1 UNC field hockey team began its quest for a 10th NCAA title in style Friday afternoon, defeating Delaware 5-1 at Karen Shelton Stadium. The Tar Heels are now through to the national quarterfinals against the either Wake Forest or Saint Joseph’s. That game will be played Sunday at noon in Chapel Hill.
Despite the lopsided final score, Carolina actually found itself in a deficit just 11 seconds into the action. Delaware scored on an early penalty corner to take a 1-0 lead. It was UNC’s first deficit since the second game of the season all the way back in August.
But the Tar Heels erased that deficit and then some before the halftime whistle: all five of their goals came in the first or second quarters. Sophomore Kennedy Cliggett’s sixth and seventh goals of the season tied the game and gave the Tar Heels the lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, goals from ACC Freshman of the Year Ryleigh Heck, Ashley Sessa and Lisa Slinkert padded the lead. It was all part of an offensive avalanche by Carolina in the first half to the tune of 21 total shots. Delaware had just three.
Fifth-year forward Erin Matson, playing in her final NCAA Tournament, led the Tar Heels with seven shots and and six shots on goal, but did not find the back of the cage against the Blue Hens. Matson also didn’t score in the ACC Championship against Virginia, and Friday marked the first time she failed to score in consecutive games since September. Matson did end the game with one assist, extending her own ACC points record.
Friday was also the sixth time this season Carolina has scored at least five goals in a single game. Its 21 shots were its most in a game since October 9.
Sunday’s second-round game at Karen Shelton Stadium will mark the final home game for UNC’s senior class, including Matson. This season’s Final Four will be played in Storrs, CT, where Carolina hopes to capture a fourth national championship in five seasons.
Featured image via UNC Field Hockey on Twitter
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