University of North Carolina Athletics
Bernatchez To Miss Championship Game
November 19, 2016 | Field Hockey
NORFOLK, Va. – North Carolina senior Kristy Bernatchez will watch the NCAA Championship from the sidelines Sunday afternoon, erring on the side of caution after being hit in the head by a ball during Friday's semifinal game. She experienced concussion-like symptoms on Friday evening and although feels much better now, agrees with the UNC medical staff's decision to hold her out of the game.
“It's a difficult situation but it's the smart decision not to play,” Bernatchez said. “Our team is well equipped to deal with this – we have the “next man up” mentality and we're versatile. I'll be on the sidelines supporting my team and I know they're going to be fine.”
UNC meets Delaware on Sunday at 1 p.m. for the 2016 NCAA Championship. The game is set for Old Dominion's L.R. Hill Sports Complex and will be streamed live on ncaa.com.
Bernatchez was hit in the head, just above her left ear, by a ball during the second-half of UNC's Friday game against UConn. After a five-minute delay during which doctors and athletic trainers attended to her on the turf, she left the field by stretcher. She was back on the sidelines after the game, which UNC won 2-1 in overtime, and continues to be monitored by team medical personnel.
“It's been nice to have so many people reach out and be concerned, so I want to let everyone know I'm OK,” Bernatchez said. “It was a scary situation but I'm going to be fine.”
Bernatchez has started all 25 games this season on the Tar Heel defense. A back from Belgrade, Maine, she has three goals and two assists this fall.
“We're going to miss Kristy but a good team will compensate,” UNC coach Karen Shelton said. “She's such a tough player and has had a great career as a Tar Heel. We hate to have her out for the last game of the season, especially as a senior, but we're all going to rally around her.”
Bernatchez also will miss the upcoming Junior World Cup. She is one of five Tar Heels who were selected for the U.S. Under-21 team that will compete in Chile Nov. 24-Dec. 4. That group will depart for South America from Norfolk on Sunday evening.
