Erin Matson scored just over six minutes into the first overtime period Sunday night at Karen Shelton Stadium to give the top-ranked UNC field hockey team a 4-3 victory over the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines — clinching the Tar Heels’ third consecutive NCAA championship.

The three-time reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Year led UNC (19-1) with two goals and an assist the game, while Bryn Boylan and Mia Leonhardt each scored goals as well.

Michigan (15-3) scored the game’s first goal just over nine minutes into the first quarter, but UNC answered just 33 seconds later on a goal by Matson.

Boylan scored on a penalty stroke in the second quarter to give the Tar Heels a 2-1 halftime lead, before Leonhardt’s second goal of the season put UNC ahead 3-1 midway through the third quarter.

The Wolverines responded with a pair of goals late in the period courtesy of Kathryn Peterson and Sarah Pyrtek to things up heading into the fourth quarter.

Neither team was able to break through in the fourth, forcing the extra period and meaning the next goal would determine the national champion.

Of course, it was Matson who made all the difference for UNC — just like she has in each of the last three years. She delivered a backhand winner in the 67th minute which gave the Tar Heels their ninth national title in the program’s storied history.

All nine of UNC’s titles have come under the leadership of head coach Karen Shelton. The victory moves the program into a tie with Old Dominion for the most in the country, as well as Shelton into a tie for first among all coaches.

Sunday’s national title is for the 2020 season, which was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and limited participation in the fall.

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