The UNC field hockey team fought past a tough Harvard team in the NCAA quarterfinals in Chapel Hill on Sunday, defeating the Crimson 4-2 to advance to the Final Four. Carolina’s Karen Shelton Stadium will host the national semifinals and championship next weekend.

Carolina was not as dominant as in its opening victory against William & Mary on Friday, but did still nearly double up the Crimson in total shots (24-13) and shots on goal (14-8). ACC Freshman of the Year Charly Bruder got the Tar Heels on the board first just 4:26 into the game, and scored her second early in the second quarter after the Crimson had equalized. Bruder’s 14 goals this season are a team-high, and she’s the first UNC true freshman to lead the team in goals since her head coach, Erin Matson, did so in 2018.

All-ACC first team honoree Ryleigh Heck put UNC up 3-1 five minutes into the second half, but Harvard would not go quietly. The Crimson drew back within a goal early in the fourth quarter, but Carolina was simply too much. Lisa Slinkert answered five minutes later, and Harvard would not get another shot off for the remainder of the game. UNC goalie Maddie Kahn made six saves on the day, posting her fourth game this season with at least six stops.

In the national semifinals on Friday, UNC will meet either Virginia or No. 4 overall seed Maryland. A start time is yet to be announced.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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