A pair of goals from Gab Major led the way for the sixth-ranked UNC field hockey team on Saturday, as the Tar Heels cruised to a spot in the NCAA Quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over No. 15 St. Joseph’s–a program making its first ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
Eva Van’t Hoog opened scoring for UNC (17-4) in the 10th minute, while Major took advantage of a rebound and a loose ball to score both of her goals before the halftime whistle–with the scores coming just over a minute apart.
“I thought Gab played great in those critical moments to get two big goals and give us that cushion,” head coach Karen Shelton said afterwards, about her team’s only senior. “That was huge. She really played with skill and composure in the offensive circle. I’m proud of her.”
With a 3-0 halftime lead, the Tar Heels built themselves a nice cushion to get through the second half.
St. Joseph’s (18-4) recorded all six of its shots after the halftime break, but was never able to break through against the talented UNC defense led by Ashley Hoffman.
Fittingly enough, it was Hoffman who added the Tar Heels’ fourth, and final, goal when she finished off a penalty corner attempt in the 61st minute.
Shelton was also able to give playing time to 20 different players due to the blowout nature of the game.
Up Next:
UNC will take on Princeton in the NCAA Quarterfinals on Sunday, with a spot in the Final Four on the line. That game is set for 2 p.m.
Photo via Jeffrey A. Camarati (UNC Athletics)
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