With a 3-0 victory over No. 4 Iowa on Friday afternoon at Karen Shelton Stadium in Chapel Hill, the top-ranked UNC field hockey team earned a chance to play for its third straight NCAA championship on Sunday.

The Tar Heels (18-1) got on the board in the second quarter with a goal from Katie Dixon and held that 1-0 lead until halftime. Mia Leonhardt then scored in the third quarter to double UNC’s lead.

It was the first goal of the entire season for both Dixon and Leonhardt.

A familiar face added the third, and final, goal of the day for the Tar Heels as three-time reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Year Erin Matson found the back of the net in the fourth quarter for her team-leading 27th goal of the year.

Goalkeeper Amanda Hendry saved all seven shots she faced to earn the shutout win.

Iowa ends its season with a record of 12-6, while the Tar Heels have won 65 of their last 66 games over the last three seasons.

Up Next:

The Tar Heels will host the winner of No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Louisville in Sunday’s championship game, which is set to begin at 7 p.m.

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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