University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Wraps Up Two-Game Series With National Team
August 16, 2007 | Field Hockey
Aug. 16, 2007
The North Carolina field hockey team saw its first outside competition of the preseason on Thursday, and the opposition couldn't have been much tougher. The Tar Heels took on the U.S. National Team in a scrimmage at the National Training Center in Virginia Beach and although the U.S. won 7-2, Carolina coach Karen Shelton came away pleased with her team.
"They put a lot of pressure on us in the first half and it took a while for our players to adjust to their speed," Shelton said. "But I thought we played with more confidence and poise in the second half. Our players rose to the occasion."
The U.S. squad led 5-0 at halftime and added another goal just after the break. The Tar Heels then scored two quick goals, the first by junior Kate Scholl, assisted by junior Britt van Beek, and the second by senior Jesse Gey, assisted by redshirt freshman Elizabeth Drazdowski. UNC had only one corner in the contest.
Former Tar Heels Kate Barber, Carrie Lingo and Amy Tran all played for the U.S. team. Tar Heels Rachel Dawson and Katelyn Falgowski played for UNC but also are members of the National Team.
"It's an honor and an inspiration to play against the National Team," Shelton said. "It's a great experience for our team."
UNC will meet the National Team again on Friday at 3 p.m. The Tar Heels open the season on Aug. 25 at Michigan as part of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.
Aug. 17, 2007
The U.S. National team also won the second matchup, 5-0 on Friday. "It wasn't a bad performance," UNC coach Karen Shelton said. "I think we improved with each half. Playing the national team is a huge challenge and they definitely expose weaknesses. We've got a lot to work on and we're looking forward to getting back to the practice field to continue to improve on a daily basis."
