The top-ranked UNC field hockey team continued its impressive run of dominance on Friday night in Charlottesville, as it rolled to a 5-0 blowout over the No. 5 Virginia Cavaliers–extending its program-record winning streak to 31 games.

Despite missing head coach Karen Shelton–who will also miss Sunday’s game against James Madison while at a family wedding–the Tar Heels didn’t seem to miss a beat under associate head coach Grant Fulton.

Catherine Hayden, Yentl Leemans and Marissa Creatore each scored goals less than four minutes apart from one another early in the second quarter to give UNC all the cushion it would need.

The scoring still didn’t stop there, however, as Hayden added another tally to begin the fourth quarter–followed by a goal from Erin Matson in the final three minutes.

Virginia (7-2, 1-1 ACC) kept up with the Tar Heels in terms of shots, manufacturing only one less than UNC’s 16, but were unable to get anything past goalkeeper Amanda Hendry.

Hendry finished the day with her first complete game shutout of the year and a season-high six saves.

“We had a great defensive stand when it mattered and took advantage our opportunities, which was the difference in the game,” Fulton said afterwards. “Our corner defense stood firm and our goalkeeper had an outstanding game. We managed to play phases of the game really well.”

Up Next:

UNC travels to face James Madison on Sunday, with that game set to begin at noon.

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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