CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Saint Joseph’s field hockey team saw its NCAA Tournament run come to an end Friday afternoon, falling 2-1 to top-ranked and number one overall seed North Carolina at karen Shelton Stadium. The Hawks battled the nationally dominant tar heels to a tight contest, but a fourth-quarter penalty corner goal proved to be the decisive factor.
The loss concludes Saint Joseph’s season with a 12-10 overall record.This marked the fourth NCAA Tournament meeting between the Hawks and North Carolina, with UNC remaining the only opponent Saint Joseph’s has faced multiple times in postseason play.
North Carolina (20-1) controlled possession early, managing two shots in the first quarter, neither on goal.The tar Heels broke the deadlock with 4:17 remaining in the second quarter when Ryleigh Heck scored, giving the hosts a 1-0 halftime lead.
Saint Joseph’s responded midway through the third quarter. After Brooke James’ shot was saved by Merritt Skubisz, Laine Delmotte capitalized on the rebound, scoring her first collegiate goal – across four years at Lafayette and one at Saint Joseph’s - to tie the game at 1-1.
However, North Carolina regained the lead with 12:39 left in the fourth quarter on a penalty corner goal by Charly Bruder. The Hawks earned two penalty corners of their own later in the quarter, with Dear Kluyt’s shot requiring a defensive save from Isabel Boere. Despite late possession in the Carolina end, Saint Joseph’s was unable to find the equalizer.
Paige kieft recorded four saves for the Hawks, while Katie Wimmer made one save in the first half for UNC and Skubisz added two in the second.North Carolina finished with a 14-7 shot advantage, and a 6-5 edge in shots on target.The Tar Heels were awarded six penalty corners to Saint Joseph’s two.
