The UNC field hockey team saw its four-game winning streak come to a screeching halt Friday afternoon, as the Tar Heels fell 5-0 on the road to No. 11 Syracuse.

The Tar Heels fell behind 3-0 in the first half and were never able to get back in the game. This marks the first time Carolina has been shut out in a game since 2016.

“Congratulations to Syracuse,” head coach Karen Shelton said after the game. “They played as well today as I’ve seen them play in years. Our slow start gave them a three-goal cushion and we spent the rest of the game chasing – whatever we tried, they seemed to have an answer.”

Syracuse held only a slim 12-11 advantage in shots, and the Tar Heels took eight corners to the Orange’s six, but weren’t able to make any dents in the scoreboard. Reigning National Offensive Player of the Week Erin Matson and Jasmina Smolenaars led UNC with four shots each. Freshman goalkeeper Abigail Taylor made five saves.

Carolina will stay in New York for the weekend and take on the University of Albany on Sunday afternoon, looking to get back on the right track before two critical home games with No. 20 Duke and No. 12 Liberty on October 8 and October 10, respectively.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
UNC's Ryleigh Heck, Rece Verhoff Among Those Joining Indiana NCAA Lawsuit
UNC kicker Rece Verhoff and three former members of the field hockey team – including former All-American Ryleigh Heck – are joining a lawsuit against the NCAA out of the state of Indiana. The four players, as well as dozens of others from multiple sports who graduated high school in 2022, are seeking a fifth […]
This Week in UNC Sports: September 14-20, 2026
The upcoming week offers several high-caliber matchups for multiple UNC teams both at home and on the road.
UNC Sports: Field Hockey, Women's Soccer Win; Volleyball Loses in New York
Several UNC women’s sports teams were in action up and down the east coast Sunday. In Virginia, the field hockey team earned a 2-1 win at Richmond, while down in Chapel Hill the women’s soccer team cruised to a 5-0 win at Dorrance Field against NJIT. Meanwhile, up in New York City, the volleyball team […]
UNC Field Hockey Loses Late Lead, Falls to No. 20 Old Dominion at Home
Despite leading 4-1 in the third quarter and carrying a 4-2 lead into the final 15 minutes, UNC fell to No. 20 Old Dominion 5-4 in overtime at Karen Shelton Stadium Friday. The Tar Heels had race out to a 2-0 lead in a dominant first quarter, one which saw UNC hold the Monarchs without […]
UNC Field Hockey Beats No. 2 Princeton After Penalty Shootout
Freshman Sofia Ferri scored in the fifth and final round of a penalty shootout to help UNC beat No. 2 Princeton 1-0 at Karen Shelton Stadium Sunday afternoon. SHOOTOUT DUB ✅ HOUSE PROTECTED ✅#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/3pwTU3NUba — Carolina Field Hockey (@UNCFieldHockey) September 6, 2026 The two teams had played to a scoreless draw after […]
UNC Field Hockey Throttles Penn for First Win of 2026 Season
UNC led 4-0 at halftime on its way to a 7-0 thrashing of visiting Penn at Karen Shelton Stadium Friday night as part of the ACC-Ivy League Conference Crossover. The win is Carolina’s first of the 2026 season. Home sweet shutout home 🏡#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/bQFxj7HqLf — Carolina Field Hockey (@UNCFieldHockey) September 4, 2026 The […]
This Week in UNC Sports: August 31-September 6, 2026
This series of posts will be made weekly on Chapelboro with a full schedule of UNC sports contests, both in Chapel Hill and elsewhere. Note that game times and broadcast information are subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors. The first week of September means that fall sports are well and truly […]
UNC Field Hockey Loses to No. 11 Iowa; Now 0-2 to Start 2026 Season
UNC allowed the tying and go-ahead goals in a span of 3:03 in the third quarter vs. No. 11 Iowa Sunday, and the Hawkeyes held that onto that lead to deal the Tar Heels a 3-2 loss. It’s Carolina’s second consecutive loss to open the 2026 season. The Tar Heels led 2-1 at halftime on […]
UNC Field Hockey Falls in Overtime vs. No. 14 Michigan in 2026 Season Opener
A Michigan goal less than five minutes into sudden-death overtime helped the No. 14 Wolverines upset No. 2 UNC 2-1 in the 2026 season opener in Winston-Salem Friday. This is the first time Carolina has dropped its opening game of the season since 2022. After the game – which was delayed by two hours due […]
Jason DeCaro, Reese Brantmeier, Ryleigh Heck Named 2026 Patterson Medal Winners
UNC announced the 2026 class of Patterson Medal winners Tuesday morning. The Patterson Medal, first awarded in 1924, is the school’s most prestigious honor for athletic excellence and career achievement. To receive the award, Tar Heel athletes must have competed in at least three seasons for UNC and have exhausted their collegiate eligibility. The 2026 […]
›