The North Carolina field hockey team trailed on Friday for longer than expected.
After exiting the field at halftime down 2-0 against fifth-ranked Syracuse, No. 2 UNC leveled the score at two apiece with less than 10 minutes left in the game, capturing momentum in the second half.
All there was left to do was push one more ball across the goal line.
And with 7:12 remaining on the clock, Kelsey Kolojejchick provided the extra push the Tar Heels needed.
Syracuse goalie Leann Stiver saved a shot from UNC redshirt freshman Samantha Travers, but the ball made it through her legs, sending two Syracuse defenders and Kolojejchick into a race to gain possession.
“It was just two defenders and me going in for the kill,” Kolojejchick said. “They were trying to get it out. I was trying to push it in, and then you’ve got to just keep pushing to let it slide over the line.”
The game-winning goal in the 3-2 decision was Kolojejchick’s fourth goal of the season.
Kolojejchick said the goal was just a result of being in the right place at the right time.
“I’m just willing to do whatever it takes to put that ball in, and I know all the other forwards, mids, defenders would do the same thing,” she said.
