UNC field hockey defeats Connecticut 2-1 with overtime goal by Lauren Moyer to advance to NCAA Finals

In 2013 the North Carolina field hockey team met Connecticut in the Final Four — just as it did today.

That game was played in Norfolk, Virginia — as was the match today.

The Huskies emerged victorious in that one — but this was not the case today.

Culminated on Lauren Moyer’s goal in sudden victory, the Tar Heels came away with a thrilling overtime 2-1 victory to advance to the National Final on Sunday.

“They played in the moment, they kept focus, and they believed in each other,” Coach Karen Shelton said.

While each side had its fair share of turnover from the last time they played, there were a few Tar Heels on that 2013 team.

Redshirt senior Emma Bozek missed her penalty shot in that 2013 shootout loss. But that didn’t stop her from rallying the Tar Heels today.

In both of the Final Four games vs. UConn, the Tar Heels had to dig themselves out of a hole, as UNC faced a 1-0 margin with 34 minutes left.

“We were calm and composed the whole time,” Bozek said. “We’ve been down like this before, so I think we kept a level head.”

With 28 minutes left to play, Bozek took some of the pressure off the UNC team. The senior had a dazzling assist on a goal by Sam Night — a redshirt first-year in 2013 — to equalize the game against the huskies.

Following the goal each team had their fair share of scoring chances, but to no avail.

The teams were again going to overtime — just like 2013.

“I think it was motivation, for the seniors especially. In the same venue, versus the same team,” Moyer said. “But the word for us this season, is redemption.”

Set to not let history repeat itself, the UNC team rallied together for the overtime period. Both sides traded attacks until the Tar Heels found an opening with under two minutes left.

It occurred just after North Carolina’s offensive possession came up empty. Connecticut was attempting to work down the field, but Malin Evert had other plans.

The sophomore stole the ball from the Huskies, and headed toward the box.

Across the semicircle she saw Moyer waiting to strike.

“Soon as Malin intercepted it, I knew we could make something out of the play,” Moyer said.

Evert slid the ball across at Moyer’s stick, and the senior did the rest.

Moyer’s 23rd goal of the season in sudden-death overtime lifted the Tar Heels over the Huskies.

The Tar Heels face the winner of the Princeton-Delaware game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

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