UNC field hockey rebounds for 5-1 win over Liberty

A day after a loss to Duke, the No. 4 North Carolina field hockey team defeated Liberty 5-1 on Sunday.

What happened?

The Tar Heels (13-4) dominated in both phases, generating opportunities on offense while limiting the output of the Liberty (6-8) attack. UNC struck early, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first eight minutes of the game.

Not letting off the gas, the Tar Heels extended their lead with two more first-half goals in the 28th and 30th minute, respectively.

The disparity of offensive opportunities between the two teams was the story of the game. UNC registered five goals on 27 shots while Liberty mustered just seven shots, with one on goal.

When was it decided?

UNC’s quick start put the onus on Liberty to force the action, which it failed to do until it scored its lone goal in the 59th minute.

With a 2-0 lead just eight minutes in, the Tar Heels were able to play freely and in rhythm. Playing from behind, Liberty looked to get its offense going, but was deterred time and time again by an active UNC defense.

Who stood out?

Lauren Moyer added to her team-leading goal total, tallying two scores in the game’s early going. The senior forward notched her 13th goal in the game’s fifth minute, scoring off an assist from Eef Andriessen.

Moyer wasted little time in giving the Tar Heels an early 2-0 lead. In the eighth minute, she scored her 14th goal of the year, knocking one in off a penalty corner.

Why does it matter?

UNC had lost two of its last three games before Sunday’s win. The Tar Heels righted the ship, shaking off the sting of two ACC losses that knocked them out of conference title contention.

Sunday’s contest was the first of three non-conference games to end the regular season. As they prepare for the ACC Tournament, the Tar Heels can build confidence and momentum from this win and games against lesser competition than what they face in conference play.

Where do they play next?

The Tar Heels will travel to Norfolk, Virginia to take on Old Dominion at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

@NoahGrant13

sports@dailytarheel.com