Jackie Kintzer saves field hockey game against Wake Forest

WINSTON-SALEM — It was easy to miss North Carolina goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer in UNC’s 4-1 victory against Ohio State Saturday.

In a game the Tar Heels dominated, Kintzer did not face a single shot on goal from the Buckeyes.

But on Sunday against Wake Forest, the junior goalkeeper had the entirety of Kentner Stadium taking notice, especially those wearing black and gold.

With each Wake Forest shot, the home crowd prepared to celebrate, only to sigh in disappointment at the gentle thump of another ball striking Kintzer’s pads.

In all, Kintzer made six saves and allowed just one goal on 13 Demon Deacon shots to buoy a Tar Heel defense that withstood relentless pressure from Wake Forest.

Often overlooked on a team that had allowed fewer than three shots on goal per game this season, the All-ACC performer carried the Tar Heels on Sunday, returning UNC to the final four after the team failed to make the semifinals last year.

“Wake put tons of pressure on our backfield today, so it’s really comforting to have such an outstanding goalkeeper back there,” coach Karen Shelton said.

“(Jackie) did a fabulous job in the second half to keep us a couple goals up.”

Kintzer made a number of stops throughout the afternoon, but perhaps her most pivotal saves came on a series of penalty corners midway through the second half.

With just fewer than 20 minutes to play, and North Carolina clinging to a 3-1 lead, the Demon Deacons drew three consecutive penalty corners and looked poised to cut the Tar Heel advantage in half.

But Kintzer stymied all three attempts, making a number of difficult saves to preserve the two-goal margin.

Seconds later, UNC generated a counterattack, resulting in an Elizabeth Drazdowski goal that put Wake Forest away for good.

Plays like these allow the team’s midfielders and forwards more freedom, knowing they can breathe a little easier with Kintzer in the cage.

“Of course we want to get back (on defense), but there’s times when I’m like, ‘whew, I can take a little break,’” freshman midfielder Kelsey Kolojejchick said.

“I know she’s going to save it every time.”

But perhaps the teammates who most appreciate Kintzer’s presence are her fellow defenders.

“(Jackie) is my savior,” senior defender Melanie Brill said.

“We owe so much to her today.”

Though Kintzer said she enjoys a boring day between the pipes, she acknowledged that performances like Sunday’s do come with a little added satisfaction.

“When the team does their job and I don’t have to do anything, it’s nice,” Kintzer said.

“But when I make some saves, I feel like I’ve contributed to the win.”

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.