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.

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