The champs are back, and they’re back in style.

The UNC field hockey team opened its 2024 title defense in the best possible way, trouncing No. 12 Michigan 4-1 on the road in Ann Arbor on Friday.

After weathering a storm of Michigan shots through a scoreless first quarter, the Tar Heels snatched the lead in the second with two goals in a span of less than three minutes. Lisa Slinkert found the back of the cage at the 7:05 mark of the quarter before reigning ACC Freshman of the Year Charly Bruder doubled the advantage with 4:27 to go.

Sietske Brüning joined the fun in the third quarter, answering a Wolverine goal which had made it 2-1. Sanne Hak then slammed the door with an empty-net goal in the final two minutes.

Despite being outshot 5-1 through the opening 15 minutes, Carolina ended the game with a decisive advantage in total shots (18-12) and shots on goal (12-3). The Wolverines managed just seven shots in the final three quarters, while the Tar Heels totaled eight shots in the second quarter alone.

UNC will stay in Ann Arbor for the second leg of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. when it faces No. 6 Iowa.

 

Featured image via UNC Field Hockey on Twitter

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