The No. 2 UNC field hockey team (6-0) decimated Stanford (2-3) in a 6-0 victory in Stanford, Calif.
What happened?
UNC had a surprisingly slow start despite getting many shots off early.
Just over two minutes into the game, first-year midfielder and back Sietske Brüning had her shot blocked. 20 seconds later, another North Carolina shot, this time from first-year forward and midfielder Ashley Sessa, was saved by Stanford first-year goalkeeper Daisy Ford.
Neither team got another shot off until fifth-year senior forward Erin Matson's attempt as the clock ticked down in the opening period. Ford made another save on this shot, keeping the score at 0-0 heading into the second period.
To kick off the second period, first-year midfielder and forward Ryleigh Heck scored in the 16th minute of play — marking the fourth time in sixth games that the North Beach, N.J. native has been the firestarter for the North Carolina offense. Just over two minutes later, junior midfielder and back Katie Dixon dove to tip in a ball on a behind-the-back assist from senior midfielder Paityn Wirth.
After earning no corners in the opening period, UNC earned two in the second period, with sophomore forward and midfielder Kennedy Cliggett converting on a put-back on the first corner and Sessa scoring on a rebound on the second. These back-to-back goals off of corners put UNC up 4-0 at the half.
North Carolina continued to add to its lead coming out of halftime, with a quick score from sophomore midfielder Lisa Slinkert, who converted on the Tar Heels' first penalty stroke of the season to add to UNC's lead.
After a shot from Dixon hit the goalpost in the 42nd minute of action, Heck capitalized on a rebound for her second goal of the game to make the final score 6-0 for North Carolina.
