A pair of goals from true freshmen helped the No. 2 UNC women’s soccer team log its first win of the 2023 season, 3-1 over Cal at Dorrance Field on Sunday.

After remaining goal-less for 90 minutes in the season opener at Penn State on Thursday, Carolina needed only three minutes to find the back of the net against the Bears. Avery Patterson opened her 2023 account by sending a loose ball in the box past the Cal goalkeeper to give UNC the early lead.

The Bears would equalize 11 minutes later, but freshman Melina Rebimbas restored the Tar Heel lead in the 41st minute, connecting with a cross from Tori Dellaperuta. Carolina doubled the lead early in the second half as freshman Olivia Thomas converted from point-blank range. The goals are the first in the UNC careers of Rebimbas and Thomas.

As they did against Penn State, the Tar Heels dominated possession, outshooting the Bears 25-2 and allowing just one shot on goal. Carolina took 11 corner kicks and forced eight saves out of the Cal goalkeeper, who did well to keep the score only 3-1.

Sunday’s match was the first of five consecutive at Dorrance Field for the Tar Heels, who will continue the homestand by hosting Wisconsin on Thursday at 4 p.m.

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