Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Sunday 18 November 2018

Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy Changzhou Wujin 2018 - Day 2
Changzhou (CHN)

Results 17 November

GBR v CHN (RR)     2 - 2
AUS v ARG (RR)     2 - 1
NED v JPN (RR)     3 - 1

Fixtures 18 November 2018 (GMT +8)

14:00      AUS v GBR (RR)
16:00     CHN v JPN (RR)     
18:00     NED v ARG (RR)

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

China draw with Great Britain, while Australia and Netherlands find winning ways at Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy



Australia and Netherlands recorded wins on the opening day of action at the Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy Changzhou Wujin 2018. The third result saw host nation China share the points with Great Britain.

Great Britain v China 2-2 (2-2)

China (WR:11) showed a real intent to play attacking hockey as they took the game to Great Britain (WR:2) in the opening match of the Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy.

The match was played at a high tempo with both sides showing more inclination to attack than defend. It was a problem highlighted by Great Britain's captain Hollie Peane-Webb in her role as Great Britain's captain.

"We showed a lot of energy going forwards, really using our pace," she said. "Unfortunately that sometimes left gaps but this is a new team and we will learn quickly from any errors."

The scoring was opened by Xu Wenyu of China, who slotted home a well-worked penalty corner in the seventh minute of play. This was a reward for some good attacking play, a point that captain Cui Qiuxia picked up on in her post-match interview.

"I am proud of the way the team worked today. Two things we have really improved on are our confidence and our ability to play strategically."

Great Britain equalised through Hannah Martin, the midfielder creating space for herself with her customary silky stick work, before putting the ball past Ye Xiao, leaving the teams level at half-time.

China regained their lead minutes minutes later when Yang Peng scored from open play – again capitalising on some lovely build-up play from the China midfield, particularly Zhong Mengling and Chen Yang.

Great Britain regrouped and regained their composure, with Martin, Lily Owsley and Susannah Townsend driving forwards time and again. The persistence was rewarded when Owsley was able to breeze past the Chinese defence to take the score to 2-2.

Despite some positive and, at times, combative attacking play from both sides, the scores remained equal until the final whistle.

Speaking after the game, Pearne-Webb said she was expecting her team to progress and learn rapidly over the course of this tournament. "We have a new team, with four players making their debut. We will regroup tonight, identify areas to improve and each game will see us getting better. These are intelligent players so they will learn quickly."

Cui Qixia said: "It is so great to be playing here in China, in our own 'home of hockey', in front of our fans. It has given us insight into how exciting it will be to play FIH Pro League games here next year."

Australia v Argentina 2-1 (2-0)

The second encounter of the day was a classy clash between two closely-matched teams. The game was firmly split into two halves, with Australia dominant in the first half and Argentina finding their feet in the second half.

Play was uncompromising from both teams and there was some extraordinarily skilful play from both teams.

Australia, who are currently ranked third in the FIH Hero World Rankings took the lead against Argentina (WR:4) in the 12th minute and doubled their lead just three minutes later.

Both goals were scored from open play by Rosie Malone and were the result of some innovative attacking play. The Hockeyroos attacking force was backed-up by a very well-disciplined defensive unit.

No further goals came in the half but Las Leonas were looking shell-shocked for much of the opening 30 minutes.

If the first half belonged to the Hockeyroos, the second half was Argentina's. There were signs that Argentina were coming back into the game as the last few minutes of the half ticked down. Captain Delfina Merino was pressuring the defence and saw two rasping shots fly just wide of Rachael Lynch's goal.

The second half was three minutes old when Maria Granatto scored a deftly-taken goal to halve the deficit and only an unwavering defence prevented Argentina from scoring an equaliser after they kept up a consistent battery of attacking moves.

Speaking after the game, Australia's captain Emily Smith spoke of her team's more adaptable approach to play.

"In the past, we were perhaps a bit rigid in the way we played; now we adapt to situations far better. We used to be all-out, now we play with a bit more thought. We play smarter."

Delfina Merino, captain of Argentina, said her team needed to realise the importance of getting off to a quicker start when playing teams at this level.

"These are some of the best teams in the world, so we have to start with the first whistle and make the most of our chances. We were much better in the second half but it was too late."

Netherlands v Japan 3-1 (0-0)

A goalless first half was unexpected given the difference in rankings between the two teams. The Netherlands are ranked number one in the world and have been in compelling form for the past 18 months, so to see the Cherry Blossoms holding their counterparts to a 0-0 scoreline for 30 minutes was a surprise.

Surprise turned to shock when Japan (WR:14) took the lead. The team had been causing all sorts of problems with their free-running style of play and their extraordinarily quick reactions that led to a lot of interceptions.

The goal was scored by Shihori Oikawa from a penalty corner, although much of the pressure in the build-up had emanated from the energetic figure of Minami Shimizu. Also playing exceptionally well was goalkeeper Megumi Kageyama, who pulled off some great saves.

The equaliser and the change in the shape of the match came when the Dutch began to play their own free-flowing hockey. A swift interchange of passes saw Marijn Veen free, with the ball, in front of goal. She needed no second invitation and, to the palpable relief of her team, she slotted home.

Minutes later an even more sumptuous movement saw three one-touch passes move the ball from the Dutch defensive quarter into the Japanese circle. Maria Verschoor was on hand to smash the ball home.

The Netherlands' triumph was made complete in the final minute of the game. Veen was left free in front of the goal after Margot Zuidhof played an inch perfect pass through to the forward to score her second goal of the match.

Speaking in a post-match interview, captain Eva de Goede spoke of the need for less experienced players to find their feet in the melting pot of international competition. "My message to the newer players is that they are wearing the shirt for a reason, so be confident and play your game."

Japan's Head Coach Anthony Farry had a similar message for his players. "I think there were times that my players were thinking about the opposition and I need them to be confident. They played very well at stage today but we need consistency and that will come from the experience of playing higher-ranked teams."

Match schedule for Sunday 18 November (all times UTC+8)

14:00 Australia v Great Britain
16:00 China v Japan
18:00 Netherlands v Argentina

https://fih.calreplyapp.com/womens-champions-trophy

Great Britain v China 2-2
Australia v Argentina 2-1
Netherlands v Japan 3-1

For a full schedule of all the games, click here

#HCT2018

FIH site

Hockeyroos Sink Great Britain At Champions Trophy


Brooke Peris celebrates putting it past Amy Tennant. Photo: World Sports Pics

Despite poor weather, the Hockeyroos have secured their second win at the 2018 Champions Trophy, defeating Great Britain 2-0 in Changzhou, China, on Sunday night.

Early goals to Brooke Peris and Kalindi Commerford put Australia in a solid position heading into the major break. A strong defensive performance in the second half from goalkeeper Rachael Lynch helped secure Australia’s second victory for the tournament.

Peris opened the scoring for Australia in the ninth minute of the match when she deflected a shot from Greta Hayes past British goalkeeper Amy Tennant.

Commerford, who celebrated her 24th birthday today, scored the only other goal of the match when she was able to sneak the ball past Tennant in the dying seconds of the first half.

The win means that Australia now sits atop the standings with six points to their name (pending the Netherlands v Argentina result). The Hockeyroos now boast a goal differential of plus-three in the 2018 Champions Trophy, something they’ll look to improve on in a tournament as close as this one.

Stephanie Kershaw started off the match in flying form, outrunning her opponent a number of times in the opening minutes. A third minute burst of speed saw her enter the D and eventually create an opportunity for Commerford whose shot was blocked by Tennant.

Minutes later Australia was able to enter the D again, this time through a Peris pass to captain Emily Smith. Smith was dispossessed but the Hockeyroos’ pressure was mounting.

In the ninth minute of the match Great Britain were unable to defend multiple attacks from the Aussies. Hayley Padget fired a shot at goal which was blocked into the path of Hayes whose strike found Brooke Peris for the deflection and goal.

Ashlee Wells had an impressive first half, denying two Penalty Corners opportunities for Great Britain.

On the cusp of halftime Kalindi Commerford increased the lead to 2-0 when she got on the end of an exciting chain of play generated by the impressive passing and movement of the Hockeyroos.

The second half opened up with a number of British attacks but the continually impressive Lynch blocked multiple consecutive shots with ease.

In the 40th minute Rosie Malone was handed a green card but the Hockeyroos were able to withstand Great Britain’s offensive push until she returned.

The score line remained the same until the final buzzer which saw Australia come away with a 2-0 win.

Peris credited team culture for the win post-match.

“We’ve talked about it a lot and it’s time to show those actions. Credit to the girls for sticking to the gameplay and the team culture. That’s why we came away with the results today”

Australia 2 (Peris 9’, Commerford 30’)
Great Britain 0

Hockey Australia media release

Battling Great Britain Beaten By Australia In Champions Trophy


GB v Australia HCT2018

Great Britain suffered their first defeat of the 2018 Champions Trophy as they lost to Australia.

First half strikes from Brooke Peris and Kalindi Commerford were enough to secure the points for the six-time title winners.

The reigning Olympic champions may find the scoreline a little harsh as they applied plenty of pressure but couldn’t find a way past either Australian ‘keeper.

Hannah Martin shone once again and came closest to scoring four minutes from time, while Amy Costello and Grace Balsdon also threatened from corners but ultimately to no avail.

Having beaten Argentina in a closely fought contest yesterday, Australia started on top as Amy Tennant was called into action four minutes into her GB debut to keep out Commerford.

She then saved a poke towards goal from Emily Smith but the ball fell to Greta Hayes, who smashed it across the goal for Peris to deflect in at the back post.

GB took the initiative for much of the rest of the first half but couldn’t fashion any clear cut chances from open play, while Costello and Balsdon tested Ashlee Wells with corner strikes.

But it was the Hockeyroos who scored shortly before half-time, with Commerford pouncing on a loose ball in the circle before doing really well to turn the ball beyond Tennant.

Unperturbed, Great Britain started the third quarter on top as Martin narrowly failed to get a touch on Suzy Petty’s dangerous cross before forcing Rachael Lynch into a save seconds later.

At the other end Tennant was also kept busy, keeping out a wicked 38th minute strike from Hayley Padget as well as a Jodie Kenny corner before Maddy Fitzpatrick fired a shot wide.

Great Britain ramped up the pressure even further in the final quarter, with Martin narrowly failing to find an unmarked Sarah Robertson in the circle with nine minutes remaining.

Martin and then Robertson both forced Lynch into saves with efforts from the top of the circle in the final five minutes as David Ralph’s side threw everything they could at the Hockeyroos and can count themselves unlucky not to score.

Next up for Great Britain it’s Japan at 10:00GMT on Tuesday 20 November – you can watch that game on BT Sport.

Australia 2 (2)
Perris (FG, 9); Commerford (FG, 29)

Great Britain 0 (0)

Starting XI: Tennant (GK), Unsworth, Evans, Martin, Townsend, Ansley, Bray, Pearne-Webb (C), Owsley, Costello

Subs: Robertson, Petty, Sanders, Howard, Jones, Heesh (GK), Balsdon

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain beaten 2-0 by Australia


Great Britain won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics

Great Britain slipped to their first defeat of the Champions Trophy in China with a 2-0 loss to Australia.

The six-time champions opened the scoring early in the first quarter when Brooke Peris deflected the ball in at the back post.

GB responded well and dominated the second quarter but Kalindi Commerford doubled Australia's lead.

Hannah Martin came closest to scoring for GB with four minutes to play but her effort was saved.

Olympic champions Great Britain drew their opener against hosts China on Thursday.

They play Japan on Tuesday with pushback at 10:00 GMT.

BBC Sport

Great Britain open up Hockey Champions Trophy with China draw


Bang - top corner for Lily Owsley

Great Britain had to dig deep as they twice came from behind to earn a draw in their Women’s Champions Trophy opener against hosts China.

This was Great Britain’s first tournament-proper since their Rio gold and are playing in Changzhou after qualifying as Olympic champions.

It is also a markedly different side, with plenty of new faces on show although Great Britain were indebted to two experienced faces in a 2-2 draw.

China took the lead through Xu Wenyu whose deflection from a penalty corner found its way past Sabbie Heesh in the GB goal in the first quarter.

With just five seconds remaining GB levelled through Hannah Martin, Sarah Jones producing a neat pass allowing her team-mate to round the keeper and fire home on the reverse.

However China were back in front as Peng Yang pounced on a rebound to slap home.

GB then levelled immediately as Lily Owsley produced an unstoppable strike into the top corner.

The second half saw both sides largely cancelling each other out as chances became few and far between, while China’s goalkeeper was forced into a smart stop to prevent David Ralph’s side from taking the lead.

Meanwhile Tess Howard was handed a green card on debut and Erica Sanders, who was also playing her first game, was full of running throughout.

There were some frantic moments in the closing stages and both sides pushed to grab a winner but the spoils were shared.

Great Britain play Australia on Sunday morning at 6am UK time.

Australia started their 2018 Champions Trophy with victory after a 2-1 win over reigning champions Argentina.

Rosie Malone scored twice in a three-minute burst late in the first quarter for Australia, who had to withstand a barrage of second-half Argentine pressure to hang on for the points.

Japan held world champions Holland 1-1 until the final four minutes before the Dutch ran out 3-1 winners.

The Hockey Paper

Great Britain draw 2-2 with China in opening game


Olympic gold medallist Lily Owsley scored Great Britain's second goal against China

Great Britain twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with hosts China in their Champions Trophy opener.

Xu Wenyu scored from close range to give China the lead in Changzhou before Hannah Martin drew GB level with seven seconds remaining in the first quarter.

China regained the lead in the second quarter when Peng Yang took advantage of a rebound.

But Lily Owsley quickly equalised again for the Olympic champions with a powerful shot high into the net.

"It was a tough match for us today, the first matches in tournaments always are, especially against the home team," said GB interim head coach David Ralph.

"We are really pleased with several areas of our performance and know that we have to make improvements in other areas.

"In this tournament we get the opportunity to perform better pretty quickly as we face a strong Australia side tomorrow."

The 2018 edition of the Champions Trophy will be its last, with the tournament set to be replaced by the FIH Pro League in 2019.

It is the first tournament the squad have played as Great Britain since winning Olympic gold at Rio 2016.

Their next match is against Australia at 06:00 GMT on Sunday.

Australia beat Argentina 2-1 on Saturday while the Netherlands sealed a 3-1 victory over Japan.

BBC Sport

Hockeyroos Hang On For First-Up Champions Trophy Win

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos have started the 2018 Champions Trophy with victory after a 2-1 win over reigning champions Argentina in Changzhou, China, on Saturday night.

Gold Coast’s Rosie Malone scored twice in a three-minute burst late in the first quarter for Australia, who had to withstand a barrage of second-half Argentine pressure to hang on for the points.

Malone struck in the 12th minute converting Maddy Fitzpatrick’s pass, before producing some magic to score in the 15th minute.

Maria Granatto pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute for Las Leonas, but Hockeyroos keeper Ash Wells and the Australian defence were resolute despite several Argentina chances.

The win was the ideal start for Australia who blooded three debutants in Greta Hayes, Rebecca Greiner and Penny Squibb.

The result earns Australia three points ahead of Sunday’s clash with Olympic champions Great Britain, who drew 2-2 with China PR in the first game of the day, from 5pm AEDT live on Fox Sports.

Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said: "I’m extremely happy with the win. I don't think we played that well in the second half but it was pleasing to score a few field goals in the first half.”

Argentina finished with 18-7 circle entries, 8-4 shots and more possession in the opposition half.

Gaudoin added: "We showed some grit. We just need to be smarter when we're 1-0 or 2-0 up."

Argentina had the early pressure, with Julieta Jankunas forcing a low save from Australia keeper Rachael Lynch.

However, it was the Hockeyroos who took the lead in the 12th minute when Cabarita Beach’s Fitzpatrick cut the ball back from the baseline for Malone to poke home.

Three minutes later Australia had a two-goal buffer, when Malone weaved some magic on the baseline before scuffing a shot past Argentina keeper Belen Succi.

The goal was officially awarded to Malone, although Bundaberg debutant Greiner may have got the final touch on the line.

After an uneventful second period, Granatto showed Argentina’s intent shortly after the long interval, producing skill to beat Jodie Kenny before lifting her shot past Wells to make it 2-1.

Las Leonas skipper Delfina Merino fired a shot into the post in the 43rd minute, while Australia survived a close call from a penalty corner late in the third with Wells saving well.

Martina Cavallero shot into the side netting from close range in the 49th minute with the Hockeyroos coming under intense pressure.

Jodie Kenny almost restored Australia’s two-goal advantage from a 52nd minute short corner, but defender Agustina Habif produced a stunning save on the line with her stick.

Wells made one more save in the final minute as Australia secured a winning start.

Australia 2 (Malone 12', 15')
Argentina 1 (Granatto 33')

Hockey Australia media release

Uncertainty over Pakistan's participation ends as they get Indian visa


Pakistan hockey team - File Photo, PTI

Pakistan hockey squad is finally set to fly to India for the World Cup after clearing the visa and sponsorship hurdle that threatened its participation in the mega event beginning November 28.

Not only did the Indian High Commission issued visa to the players, the new sponsors have also released nine million Pakistani rupees to cover the team's expenses in the tournament to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. Sixteen nations are competing in the World Cup.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed confirmed that the issues facing the team have been sorted though the new head coach Tauqir Dar and assistant coach Danish Kaleem are still awaiting their Indian visa.

"Their applications were submitted a bit late because they joined the team recently but the Indian High Commission has said they will be issued visas soon," he said.

Shahbaz said the issuance of visa was a big relief for the PHF as two years ago the national junior team couldn't go to India to take part in the Junior World Cup due to the lack of visa. Shahbaz also confirmed that the new sponsors of the PHF had released nine million Pakistani rupees to them.

"The money will help us clear outstanding dues and also pay in advance daily allowances of the players and officials. We have also now purchased air tickets and will pay in advance for the accommodation," he said.

Shahbaz said that Dar had also helped the PHF in organising some fund raisers for the Pakistan hockey team. "The players and officials should now be able to focus completely on the World Cup and hopefully surprise many of us," the former Pakistan captain added.

Daily News & Analysis

2018 Central American Hockey 5s Championship (M) - Finals
Pinula (GUA)

Results 17 November

ESA v PAN (3rd/4th Place)     2 - 2 (4 - 3 SO)
CRC v GUA (Final)     0 - 2

Final standings

1. Guatemala
2. Costa Rica
3. El Salvador
4. Panama
5. Honduras

2018 Central American Hockey 5s Championship (W) - Finals
Pinula (GUA)

PAN v ESA (3rd/4th Place
GUA v CRC (Final)     0 - 1

Final Standings

1. Costa Rica
2. Guatemala
3. El Salvador
4. Panama
5. Honduras

FIH Match Centre

ROUND-UP: Investec English Women's Hockey League


Claire Thomas celebrating a goal for Clifton Robinsons. Credit Peter Smith

East Grinstead came from behind at half time to clinch a 3-2 victory at the University of Birmingham in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

The home team opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Catherine Ledesma found the net from open play.

East Grinstead responded with a goal from Georgie Blackwood in the 22nd minute before falling behind again in the 25th from a goal from Lydia Macdonell.

Ellie Rayer equalised for the away side in the 38th minute before Blackwood clinched victory for East Grinstead in the 60th minute with her second goal from a penalty corner.

Leaders Surbiton secured a 2-1 victory at bottom of the table Canterbury.

Mel Clewlow gave Canterbury the lead in fifth minute but Alice Sharp equalised for the away side in the 15th with a goal from free play. Georgie Twigg scored the winner in the 51st minute when she found the net from open play.

Second-placed Holcombe kept the pressure on Surbiton with a 3-1 victory at Beeston.

Kathryn Lane opened the scoring for Beeston in the ninth minute before goals from Dirkie Chamberlain, Heather McEwan and Sofia Viarengo Cervino sealed all three points for the away side.

Elsewhere, Claire Thomas scored a brace as Clifton Robinsons ran out 2-1 winners at Buckingham. Natasha James scored the only goal of the game for the home side who suffered their third loss of the season.

Strugglers Slough and Bowdon Hightown played out a 2-2 draw to both secure a point each and pull level with the University of Birmingham.

Emma Onien and Laura Bailey were on the scoresheet for Slough, while Rosie Bailey & Tilly Dyos-Szolkowska scored the goals for Bowdon Hightown.

Investec Conference North

Bottom of the table Sutton Coldfield snatched a point at top of the table Loughborough Students with a 1-1 draw in Investec Women’s Conference North.

Sutton took the lead in the 19th minute with a goal from Vicky Woolford before Hannah Grieve equalised for Loughborough from a penalty corner just before half time.

Leeds produced a good performance at home against Timperley, winning 4-0.

Goals from Holly Oldham, Niamh Elston and a brace from Sarah Wood ensured the home side sealed all three points.

Elsewhere, the University of Durham won 1-0 at home to Ben Rhydding, Brooklands-Poynton also won 1-0 at home to Belper and Leicester won 2-0 at home to Fylde.

Investec Conference East

Leaders Hampstead & Westminster were once again victorious in the Investec Women’s Conference East with a 5-0 victory at bottom of the table Ipswich.

Jasmine Clark and Hayley Turner scored a brace and Lucy Hyams scored one to seal the points for Hampstead.

Wimbledon produced a good performance at St Albans winning 4-1. Fiona Semple, Cristia Cullen and Fiona Burnet (2) were the goal scorers for Wimbledon, while Briony Anyon scored a conciliation for the home side.

Elsewhere Horsham and Harleston Magpies played out a 2-2 draw, Bedford won 2-0 at Southgate and Cambridge City and Sevenoaks played out a 1-1 draw.

Investec Conference West

Top of the table Stourport produced a good performance at Olton & West Warwicks in the Investec Women’s Conference West on Saturday, winning 5-2.

Lorna Mackenzie (2), Sarah Parkinson-Mills, Sophie Thomson and Katie Miller were the goal scorers for the away side, while Sade Gerald scored a brace as a consolation for Olton.

Swansea City cliched their fifth victory of the campaign with a 2-1 win at home to Barnes.

Carys Gordon scored a double to seal the points for the home side and Teddy Middlebrook scored the only goal for Barnes.

Elsewhere, Gloucester City won 2-1 at Exe, Oxford Hawks and Isca played out a 1-1 draw and Reading and Trojans ended goalless.

RESULTS:

Investec Women’s Premier Division: Beeston 1, Holcombe 3; Buckingham 1, Clifton Robinson 2; Canterbury 1, Surbiton 2; Slough 2, Bowdon 2; University of Birmingham 2, East Grinstead 3.

Investec Conference North: Brooklands-Poynton 1, Belper 0; Leeds 4, Timperley 0; Leicester 2, Fylde 0; Loughborough Students 1, Sutton Coldfield 1, University of Durham 1, Ben Rhydding 0.

Investec Conference East: Cambridge City 1, Sevenoaks 1; Horsham 2, Harleston Magpies 2; Ipswich 0, Hampstead & Westminster 5; Southgate 0, Bedford 2; St Albans 1, Wimbledon 4.

Investec Conference West: Exe 1, Gloucester City 2; Olton & West Warwicks 2, Stourport 5; Oxford Hawks 1, Isca 1; Reading 0, Trojans 0; Swansea City 2, Barnes 1.

England Hockey Board Media release

UNC field hockey advances to 2018 National Championship against Maryland

By Torre Netkovick


UNC's field hockey team celebrates after forward Erin Matson (1) scores the first goal of the match against William and Mary during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Karen Shelton Stadium Friday. UNC won 4-0 to move on to the second round. Matson, a freshman pre-business major, is a member of the U.S. National Team and played at the 2018 Hockey World Cup. Sarah Redmond

Although the North Carolina field hockey team has had a tremendous season, it still manages to be humble.

The No. 1 field hockey team (22-0, 6-0 ACC) in the country is headed back to the NCAA title game for the sixth time since 2010 after defeating No. 12 Wake Forest, 4-1, on Friday. The team has played the Demon Deacons (13-10, 2-4 ACC) three times this year, beating them by a combined 16-4 margin across those contests.

“It is really hard to beat a good team three times," head coach Karen Shelton said. “They gave us everything we could possibly handle in periods of that game. They pressed, ran, they only used two subs. They showed incredible resilience and put unbelievable pressure on us.”

As the Tar Heels look ahead to Maryland, they're still undefeated after plowing ahead in their 10th consecutive final four. But in the midst of so much success, the players see room to improve.

“We are continuing to build who we are," Morgan Goetz said. "We're so much more unified and we all have a common goal.”

The Tar Heels scored four goals in the first half, good enough to build a lead that couldn't be caught. They've often overwhelmed teams this season with offensive flurries, combined with a stalwart defense on the other end.

Senior Malin Evert opened the game with a goal. Then, first-year Erin Matson scored a pair of goals and senior Eva van't Hoog piled another on top with a little less than 13 minutes until halftime.

In the second half, the Demon Deacons put the pressure on North Carolina, taking nine shots in the period alone while UNC failed to score on four shots of its own. Wake Forest finally scored its only goal in the 59th minute, when Kelsey Gill shot a ball over the end line.

But it was too late — that four-goal lead was much more than Wake Forest could overcome.

Throughout the season, the Tar Heels have scored 101 goals this season and have only allowed opponents to score 16. They've shut out nine opponents in 22 games, though this season has not been without mistakes.

UNC was tested in its second game of the season against Iowa. In that matchup, the team trailed by a goal at halftime, but bounced back to win in overtime. It was the only game when the Tar Heels were behind after halftime all season.

That was not the only test they faced all season. In a close game against Princeton, Megan DuVernois scored in the 65th minute to secure the 1-0 victory. That game was one of three on the season separated by a goal. Though some games have been close, the team has maintained an unblemished record.

“This season has been different with the fact that we haven’t lost yet," Matson said. "But we have been doing a good job taking it one game at a time and focusing on the next opponent, how they are the most important team that we have to play."

With one game against the Terrapins separating the program from a seventh national title, the team is motivated to capture its 23rd win of the season. After taking it game by game all season, there's just one win keeping North Carolina from breaking a trend.

Over the last eight years before this season, the Tar Heels have played in five national title games. Each year over that period, they lost with the last championship win coming in 2009 against Maryland.

This time around, though, after this season, it feels different.

“This season has been different in the fact that we are a family," Matson said. "It is a nice feeling we are all out there working together for a common goal. I have been a part of a couple really special teams and this team is definitely one of the most special.”   

The Daily Tar Heel

Maryland, North Carolina advance to field hockey championship

North Carolina is a win away from its first national title since 2009.

By Vicki L. Friedman


North Carolina is a win away from its first national title since 2009. UNC Athletic Communications

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The game had been scoreless for 76 minutes when Bibi Donraadt spotted an opportunity in overtime.

The Maryland forward and Big Ten Freshman of the Year split the Princeton defense and blistered a shot.

"I was 99 percent sure it was going in," Donraadt said.

"I was 100 percent sure," said Maryland coach Missy Meharg, in her 31st season coaching Maryland and 18th final four.

Their calculations held true. Donraadt's shot found the top of the cage and sent Maryland to its second consecutive national championship game. Runner-up a year ago, Maryland (22-2) will play longtime rival North Carolina for the national championship on Sunday. The Tar Heels (22-0) beat Wake Forest 4-1 in the first national semifinal at Trager Stadium.

Maryland's past three titles have all come at Trager Stadium.

Back in the old days, Maryland and North Carolina played some of the nation's best field hockey as ACC rivals.

Sunday's showdown will be their 63rd meeting and the seventh time with a national championship at stake.

Maryland has eight NCAA titles already; North Carolina owns six, but neither team has won recently. The Terrapins last won in 2011 and the Tar Heels, in 2009.

The 2018 meeting was set up in two very different fashions.


Though Princeton had nine penalty corners to Maryland's two, the Tigers were not able to break through the Terrapins' defense. Adam Creech

Though Princeton had nine penalty corners to Maryland's two, the Tigers were not able to break through the Terrapins' defense.

In the nightcap, Princeton had seven more corners than Maryland and had a penalty stroke called back. Maryland didn't earn a corner in the second half and struggled to put together scoring opportunities. But nothing squeaked past Sarah Holliday or the Terps defenders, who allowed just a goal apiece in opening-round victories over Albany and UConn.

"We just didn't get anything to fall," said Princeton coach Carla Tagliente, a Maryland alum whose Tigers (15-5) were playing in the final four for the second time in three years. They won the title in 2012. But it was the second time this season Princeton has failed to finish against Maryland. The Tigers led the Terps 4-1 in their regular-season meeting on Sept. 18 only to fall 5-4 in double overtime.

The afternoon's first semifinal lacked the drama the nightcap produced.

The Tar Heels topped Wake Forest (13-10) for the third time this season. The teams met 12 days ago in an ACC title game that North Carolina dominated 7-2. The Deacs, picked to finish last in the conference's preseason poll, busted a few brackets in the 18-team field, eliminating Iowa 3-2 before upsetting third-ranked Duke in double overtime in Durham, North Carolina.

But like every other team in the nation in 2018, Wake Forest couldn't solve a Tar Heels team relentless in its mission to claim the trophy for the first time in nearly a decade.

North Carolina scored in the first five minutes and the onslaught started.

The Tar Heels added three more first-half scores against their ACC sister school, a 90-minute drive from Chapel Hill. The Deacs struggled to capitalize on opportunities in the circle against one of Karen Shelton's most talented teams ever, which advanced to the title game for the first time since 2016.

Shelton is in her 38th season coaching North Carolina, the top overall seed in the tournament.

"They're a pretty special group; they're legit," said Jen Averill, in her 27th season coaching the Deacons. "So was the '92 team and the '94 team and the '96 team."

Meharg went a step further, lauding North Carolina as "possibly the best team I've seen in Division I."

It's a group with enviable depth, particularly in the midfield, and the best freshman in the country wears Carolina blue. Erin Matson, selected to Team USA when she was 16, is a dynamic playmaker who didn't need a learning curve. In only her second collegiate game, the 5-foot-4 forward scored to force overtime against Iowa.

Big stages don't intimidate her. In only her second international competition, she secured the game -- and gold for Team USA -- over Germany in the 2017 Hockey World League semifinals in South Africa.

"I've been a part of special teams," said Matson, who leads North Carolina in points. "This is definitely one of the most special."

ESPN