At this point, it’s unclear if there’s anyone capable of getting in the way of the top-ranked UNC field hockey team.

The Tar Heels passed arguably their toughest test of the season on Sunday in Newton, Massachusetts, defeating the defending national champion Connecticut Huskies–the nation’s No. 5 team, and the preseason No. 1–by a score of 2-1.

Eva Van’t Hoog scored the game’s opening goal for the Tar Heels (15-0) in the 12th minute on a deflection resulting from a penalty corner, while Marissa Creatore added the game-winner early in the second half–just four minutes after UCONN tied things up following the halftime break.

UNC also nearly doubled the shot output of its opponents, finishing with 16 compared to just six for the Huskies.

The win over a top national contender also came just two days after head coach Karen Shelton’s team clinched its first ACC regular season championship since 2012.

“It was an interesting game for both teams,” Shelton said afterwards. “Both teams come away with valuable tournament experience, even though it wasn’t a tournament.”

Up Next:

A scheduled non-conference game at home against Duke awaits the Tar Heels, who will be celebrating Senior Day, on Sunday, Oct. 21. That game is set to begin at 1 p.m.

 

Photo via Alex Kormann (UNC Athletics)

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