Another game, another win for the top-ranked UNC field hockey team, which defeated No. 16 Wake Forest 5-1 on Saturday in Chapel Hill–improving its season record to 12-0 so far in 2018.

The Tar Heels took a slim 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to a goal from Catherine Hayden, before exploding for four goals in the second half on the same day the team’s home stadium was officially dedicated in honor of head coach Karen Shelton.

Senior Malin Evert scored back-to-back goals within five minutes of one another to begin the second half, while Erin Matson and Cassie Sumfest each chipped in a goal of their own.

Wake Forest (6-6, 1-3 ACC) didn’t get on the board until the 47th minute of action, when Elisha Evans scored on a deflection off of a penalty corner to cut her team’s deficit to 4-1.

It was yet another dominant showing for the Tar Heels, who racked up 27 shots in the game compared to just eight for their opponents.

The win also guaranteed UNC the top seed in this year’s ACC Tournament, which is the first time it has done so since 2012.

“It’s a very special day for the program and for women’s athletics here at Carolina,” Shelton said. “I’m really happy for our team that they got this big win, and I told them it was a historic win for them: since Louisville and Syracuse joined the league this is the first time we’ve clinched the top seed in the ACC Tournament. It was important.”

Up Next:

The Tar Heels will hit the road for a game Sunday at No. 19 Liberty. The scheduled start time is 1 p.m.

 

 

Photo via Jeffrey A. Camarati (UNC Athletics)