No. 1 UNC field hockey picked up another top-ten win on Friday, using three first-half goals to beat No. 7 Virginia and secure their spot atop the conference standings.
Two goals from Carolina’s leading scorer Erin Matson helped extend Carolina’s lead to 3-1, with her second coming from the star senior nabbing the ball away from Virginia’s goalkeeper to close the opening half.
“I thought it was an outstanding game by two great teams,” UNC head coach Karen Shelton said after the home win. “It had a little bit of everything – they scored on a corner option, we scored on a corner option, both teams played terrific defense, passed the ball. I thought it was probably the most strategic and tactical game we’ve played all year.”
The Tar Heels’ first goal was a result of the execution of such strategy, as UNC freshman Sietske Brüning rifled a shot past the goalkeeper to finish off a perfect penalty corner. Their second was generated a few minutes later by a long pass from senior Romea Riccardo to Matson near the goal. Matson then earned a penalty and converted the stroke, bringing her penalty efforts up to 3-for-3 and goal total to 19 on the season.
Virginia scored to make it 2-1 in the first half, with a deflection from Laura Janssen off a penalty corner shot making it into UNC’s net. But Matson’s second goal extended Carolina’s lead and neither team were able to break through in the second half despite several shots on goal.
Not only did Shelton say she was pleased with the team’s execution and immediate result, but that she believes it will significantly help the team’s postseason efforts.
“I’m proud of our Heels – today was significant as we clinched the top seed in the ACC Tournament, which means we get a bye,” the Carolina head coach said. “It’s always a goal going into the season to earn that bye.”
UNC field hockey (13-0) will close its regular season home schedule with another top-ten match. The Tar Heels will host No. 9 Saint Joseph’s on Sunday at 2 p.m., which will also be Senior Day for Matson, Riccardo and five other upperclassmen. Carolina will then travel to Durham for a game against Duke on October 29 before the ACC Tournament begins.
Photo via Carolina Athletics Communications.
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