The North Carolina field hockey team (4-3) defeated Miami (OH) (3-6) in Sunday’s match at Karen Shelton Stadium, winning 7-2.
What happened?
The Tar Heels established early control of the game, possessing the ball for most of the first period. They held their opponent to zero total shots before junior midfielder Paityn Wirth scored the first goal of the game, which was also her first goal of the season, about 12 minutes in. Less than a minute later, Miami tied the game with a goal of their own, but a goal by senior forward Hannah Griggs put UNC back on top at the end of the period.
The second period was quieter, as the Tar Heels continued to dictate the game with solid defensive play. A goal by senior midfielder Cassie Sumfest off of a penalty corner added to the lead, giving UNC a 3-1 advantage going into halftime.
The Tar Heels didn’t waste any time scoring in the second half, as Griggs scored her second goal a little over a minute into the third period. However, they allowed another turn-around goal for Miami seconds later, similar to Miami’s first goal in the first period. UNC scored twice more in the period, with one coming off the bench from sophomore midfielder Kiersten Thomassey and another from senior midfielder Eva Smolenaars.
Senior forward Erin Matson scored the final goal of the game in the game-clinching fourth period. UNC closed out the game without giving up another score, earning a 7-2 victory.
Who stood out?
Major contributions came from all over the field for the Tar Heels. The captain of the team, Matson was able to penetrate the opponent’s defense the whole afternoon, attempting seven shots on goal with one goal and one assist.
Griggs was able to cash in two goals on her only two shots of the game, and like Wirth, Thomassey also recorded her first goal of the season.
