The Daily Tar Heel

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

Saturday April 1st

Field Hockey


The UNC field hockey team celebrates their victory after the NCAA Field Hockey Championship game against Northwestern in Storrs, Conn. on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. UNC beat Northwestern 2-1.

'I know I’m the best person for this role': Erin Matson talks transition to head coach

The UNC athletic department announced on Jan. 31 that Matson is taking over the helm of the North Carolina field hockey program. This comes after Shelton, college field hockey's winningest coach, retired in December following 42 seasons at UNC. Matson, the program's fifth head coach, is the most decorated player in UNC field hockey history.  “I could never put on orange or red, or any other color, and preach about how, you know, ‘Come here because it’s the best school in the country.’" Matson said 

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The UNC field hockey team lifts head coach Karen Shelton while celebrating their victory after the NCAA Field Hockey Championship game against Northwestern in Storrs, Conn. on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. UNC beat Northwestern 2-1.

UNC field hockey avenges last year's loss to Northwestern in defining championship win

The UNC field hockey team secured their 10th NCAA Tournament win against Northwestern — the team they lost this title to in last year's final — due to a late goal by senior Erin Matson this Sunday.  Despite UNC dominating possession and putting nine shots on goal to Northwestern’s one, the game ultimately came down to the wire.  “I told you before that the team last year that we lost to, Northwestern, we would not lose to them again,” UNC senior forward Paityn Wirth said. “And my word stands by that.”

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The UNC field hockey team celebrates their victory after the NCAA Field Hockey Championship game against Northwestern in Storrs, Conn. on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. UNC beat Northwestern 2-1.

UNC field hockey claims tenth NCAA title with 2-1 triumph over Northwestern

STORRS, Conn.— The No. 1 North Carolina field hockey team (21-0) defeated the Northwestern Wildcats (20-5) to clinch the national championship with a final score of 2-1 on Sunday.  The North Carolina defense had an exceptional last outing, allowing only one shot on goal the entire game.  This is the Tar Heels’ first undefeated season since 2019, and their fifth undefeated season as a program. This game brings seniors Matson and Sholder’s college career to a close.

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UNC junior back Ciana Riccardo (8) and senior forward Erin Matson (1) celebrate a goal in the second quarter of the field hockey game against No. 6 Penn State on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at the George J. Sherman Sports Complex in Storrs, Conn. UNC beat Penn State 3-0.

UNC field hockey advances to national championship in 3-0 win over Penn State

The Tar Heels will advance to the NCAA Championship game on Sunday afternoon in Storrs, Connecticut. They will play the winner of the second semifinal between Northwestern and Maryland. Erin Matson had an outstanding penultimate college game, adding two goals and one assist to her tally. Her assist tied the UNC record for most career assists at 63.  The Tar Heel defense also had an exceptional outing, as they shut out the Nittany Lions. This was huge, especially as Penn State found ways to get four penalty corners throughout the game. 

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