UNC Field Hockey Wins ACC Championship in Thrilling Shootout

Tar Heels Defeat Virginia to Capture Title

Chapel Hill, N.C. – The No. 1 North Carolina field hockey team captured the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship on Sunday afternoon, defeating No. 2 Virginia 3-1 in a shootout after the game ended in a 1-1 draw through regulation and overtime.

Sophomore midfielder Erin Matson scored the lone goal for the Tar Heels in regulation, while junior goalkeeper Amanda Hendry made two saves in the shootout to secure the victory.

With the win, UNC earns the ACC's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament and extends its winning streak to 12 games.

Matson's Goal Gives UNC Early Lead

Matson gave UNC an early lead in the first half, scoring off an assist from junior forward Marissa Creatore in the 10th minute.

Virginia tied the game in the second half on a goal by senior forward Tara Vittese in the 47th minute.

Hendry's Heroics in Shootout

After the game remained tied through overtime, the teams went to a shootout to determine the winner.

Hendry made saves on shots by Virginia's Vittese and Maxine Fluharty, while Matson, Creatore, and junior midfielder Emily Wold scored for UNC to give the Tar Heels the victory.

UNC's Dominant Season Continues

With the ACC Championship victory, UNC improves to 16-2 overall this season and extends its winning streak to 12 games.

The Tar Heels have now won five ACC Championships in the past six years and are the No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Looking Ahead to the NCAA Tournament

UNC will open the NCAA Tournament on Friday, November 11, when they host a first-round game against the winner of the play-in game between Stanford and Towson.

The Tar Heels are looking to win their sixth NCAA Championship and their first since 2019.