After being shut out by Liberty last weekend, the No. 10 UNC field hockey team decided to pitch a shutout of their own, as the Tar Heels took a 1-0 victory at No. 15 Wake Forest Friday evening.
A first quarter goal from Carolina’s Ciana Riccardo proved to be the difference in the low-scoring affair. The goal was the first in the collegiate career of Riccardo, a sophomore back from Downingtown, PA. Jasmina Smolenaars, herself just a freshman, picked up the assist.
The Tar Heels didn’t score again in the game, though not for a lack of trying. They sent 18 total shots at the Demon Deacons, including 13 in the second half. Wake Forest only took six for the entire game. Wake was forced into nine saves, while UNC’s freshman goalkeeper Abigail Taylor only had to make two.
The win is Carolina’s second shutout of the season, and also their second in the last four games. The Tar Heels defeated Albany 6-0 earlier in the month. With the victory, No. 10 UNC moves to 9-5 on the season and 3-1 in ACC play. The Tar Heels have now taken 10 straight meetings with the Demon Deacons.
Carolina will have to wait a week for their next ACC encounter. They will celebrate Senior Day on Friday, October 22 when No. 4 Louisville visits Karen Shelton Stadium.
Featured image via Wake Forest Athletics
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