Tar Heels Shut Out Virginia In First Shelton Stadium Game

Wednesday, September 26

Chapel Hill

12:00 PM

North Carolina

(9-0, 3-0)

Virginia

(4-5, 1-2)

Virginia

North Carolina

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati

September 26, 2018 | Field Hockey

Box Score Watch Highlights Photo Gallery

By: UNC Athletic Communications

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Senior Malin Evert scored twice and the Tar Heel defense earned its fourth consecutive shutout in a 3-0 win over No. 15 Virginia Wednesday afternoon in Atlantic Coast Conference field hockey play. The top-ranked Tar Heels improved to 9-0 (3-0 ACC) and kicked off a four-game homestand at newly-named Karen Shelton Stadium. Virginia fell to 4-5 (1-2 ACC).

"We're delighted to come away with an ACC win at home," UNC coach Karen Shelton said. "This game was postponed by the hurricane and we had to reschedule it for a Wednesday afternoon, which I know is not ideal for our supporters. For our team, we didn't have our normal pregame routine because of the game time and classes, so it was a little bit disjoined to get started but think once they started playing they were fine.

"I'm thrilled we were able to get the shutout. I think we're taking real pride in our defense. I feel like we had a lot of possession – we'd like to see more offensive outcome because of that, but three goals against zero is a great outcome."

Evert's gamewinner came in the sixth minute of play, on UNC's first penalty corner of the day. After freshman Erin Matson inserted the ball and junior Yentl Leemans made the stop, Evert sent a shot neatly into the right corner of the cage to put Carolina up 1-0.

Sophomore Meredith Sholder added to the total in the 23^rd minute with her first goal of the season. She picked off a Cavalier cross in the circle and fought her way around keeper Carrera Lucas to score into the open goal and make it 2-0.

Evert's second goal of the game and third of the season came shortly after halftime, in the 40^th minute. She carried the ball from midfield and then sent it over to freshman Hannah Griggs on the right side of the circle. Griggs one-touched it right back to her and Evert shot it into the top of the cage, over a diving Lucas, for a three-goal lead.

"I'm happy I got to score two goals today," Evert said. "We've been practicing our shooting and scoring positions so I'm happy I got to make use of that and score two goals."

For the game, UNC had just seven shots, a season low and the first time this fall the Tar Heels have been in single digits in that category. The Tar Heels had just two penalty corners to Virginia's three. At the same time, they continued to shine on defense, earning their sixth shutout in nine games this season. They've allowed just three goals this fall, only one in the month of September.

Next up for the Tar Heels is another home ACC game. They host No. 11 Syracuse Saturday at 1 p.m.

Although the Tar Heels have played in their new home all season, Wednesday marked the first game with the stadium's official name. UNC announced on Monday that the new field hockey facility would be named after its long-time coach. The "Karen Shelton Stadium" lettering went up on the stands and the press box this week, but the start of the game was still a bit jarring for Shelton. "It was very strange to hear the announcer actually say it," Shelton said. "When he first said 'Welcome to Karen Shelton Stadium' … that's a little surreal. I hoped the girls weren't distracted by it. It's not about me, it's never been about me, and I just don't want them to ever feel any pressure."

Evert confirmed that the only emotions the team felt in hearing the new name were positive ones. "We are all so happy for her," Evert said of her coach. "She really deserves it."

No. 1 UNC 3, No. 15 Virginia 0
Scoring: UNC – Malin Evert (Erin Matson, Yentl Leemans), 5:48; UNC – Meredith Sholder, 22:01; UNC – Evert (Hannah Griggs), 39:09
Shots: UNC 7 (3/4), UVA 6 (1/5)
Corners: UNC 2 (1/1), UVA 3 (0/3)
Goalkeeper saves: UNC 3 (Amanda Hendry, 49:51, 0 goals allowed, 3 saves; Alex Halpin, 20:09, 0 goals allowed, 0 saves); UVA 3 (Carrera Lucas, 70:00, 3 goals allowed, 3 saves)
Records: UNC 9-0 (3-0 ACC), UVA 4-5 (1-2 ACC)

UNC starters: Amanda Hendry, Erin Matson, Catherine Hayden, Cassie Sumfest, Ashley Hoffman, Feline Guenther, Malin Evert, Morgan Goetz, Yentl Leemans, Eva van't Hoog, Marissa Creatore
UNC subs: Meredith Sholder, Hannah Griggs, Abby Pitcairn, Eva Smolenaars, Courtnie Williamson, Megan DuVernois, Alex Halpin