In the final game for its historic senior class, the No. 1 North Carolina field hockey team’s season culminated in the national championship game against No. 2 Syracuse — a rematch from North Carolina’s Final Four defeat a season ago.
But in a tense finale, the Tar Heels (21-3) fell 4-2 to the Orange (21-1), which won its first national title in school history.
“It’s a shame we didn’t win today,” Coach Karen Shelton said. “These kids have been a very, very special team to me.”
Syracuse came out of the gate firing, scoring in the ninth minute to take an early advantage.
“The early goal I think set us back,” Shelton said.“We always talk about trying to land the first blow. And when you get punched in the nose, your eyes water a little bit.”
Syracuse continued pressuring UNC throughout the first half, netting another goal in the 18th minute to give the Orange a 2-0 lead heading into intermission.
“At halftime we just said, ‘You’ve got to go for it. It’s the national championship game, you’ve got to fight,’” Shelton said. “‘Who cares if you lose, but go down swinging.’”
The Tar Heels came out of the break inspired. Sophomore Gab Major — UNC’s leading scorer — notched a goal less than three minutes into the second half, and first-year Malin Evert knotted the score in the 56th minute.