The North Carolina field hockey team claimed wins over Michigan and Iowa in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge this weekend in Ann Arbor, Mich. But the manner in which the Tar Heels came out on top contrasted.
On Saturday, the No. 2 Tar Heels (2-0) grabbed their first win of the year in a nail-biter against the No. 14 Wolverines (0-2).
The best first-half scoring chance for either team came in the waning minutes of the first period, as the Wolverines finally created a quality opportunity — only to be denied by UNC goalie Shannon Johnson.
The two teams struggled to a stalemate in the first half, but forward Malin Evert scored just five minutes into the second period. Forward Casey Di Nardo followed with a goal of her own, giving the Tar Heels a 2-0 lead.
The advantage did not stand for long, as Michigan scored with just over 15 minutes left.
The Wolverines pulled their goalie with nearly two minutes left in an attempt to tie the game but could not break the Tar Heel defense.
On Sunday, UNC grabbed yet another 2-1 win — but in an entirely different fashion.
Midfielder Nina Notman began the scoring fewer than three minutes into the game against No. 17 Iowa (1-1).