The North Carolina field hockey team extended its undefeated record with a 3-0 shutout victory over No. 15 Virginia on Wednesday afternoon.
What happened?
No. 1 UNC (9-0, 3-0 ACC) continued its persistent, swarming defensive effort against the Cavaliers (4-5, 1-2 ACC) with its sixth shutout for the 2018 campaign in just nine contests.
In the 6th minute, the Tar Heels earned their first penalty corner kick of the game. Less than a minute later, midfielder Malin Evert capitalized with her second goal of the year. On the play, forward Erin Matson, who earned the corner, picked up an assist. Midfielder Yentl Leemans was also credited with an assist on the initial goal.
Virginia countered, attempting a shot on goal that required goalkeeper Amanda Hendry to make her first of three saves in over a half of play. Hendry, a sophomore, has made 18 saves on the year in nine games, and has only allowed three scores on the season.
An errant pass from a Virginia defender resulted in the Tar Heels’ second goal of the match in the 23rd minute. Forward Meredith Sholder intercepted the ball from a Cavalier defender and put it in the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
At the half, UNC led 2-0, with three shots on goal for the half.
Within five minutes of the second period starting, North Carolina added to its lead with Evert’s second goal of the game and third of 2018. Forward Hannah Griggs found her teammate for the goal, which provided insurance for the Tar Heel effort.
In the 50th minute, junior Alex Halpin replaced Hendry in net and played the remainder of the game for UNC. Halpin’s defenders kept the Cavaliers at bay and she did not face a save over the remainder of the match.
