Sember Sends Women’s Soccer Past Texas Tech, 1-0, Into NCAA Quarterfinals

Sunday, November 19

Lubbock, TX

2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT)

North Carolina

#2 Texas Tech

Photo by: Khloe Scott

Sember Sends Women’s Soccer Past Texas Tech, 1-0, Into NCAA Quarterfinals

November 19, 2023 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

LUBBOCK, Texas – Bella Sember's goal in the 72nd minute sealed a 1-0 victory for third-seed North Carolina over second-seed Texas Tech in the third round of the 2023 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament on Sunday afternoon at John Walker Soccer Complex in Lubbock, Texas.

Following the win, the Tar Heels will now travel to Provo, Utah, to face top-seed Brigham Young on Friday, Nov. 24, in the NCAA Quarterfinals.

The Tar Heels move to 13-1-8 (5-0-5 ACC) on the year while the Red Raiders conclude their season at 16-2-5 (8-0-2 Big 12).

How It Happened

A physical game with battles in the midfield, UNC's quickness on the ball translated into a probing attack as the Tar Heels continued to gain momentum throughout the first half.
Two of the better looks in the opening frame came from Ally Sentnor and Maddie Dahlien in a 90-second stretch, both to the bottom center which were ultimately denied by keeper Madison White.
Despite heading into the break at a deadlock, Carolina out-shot Texas Tech 9-5 in the first half with a 5-0 edge in shots on goal.
The Tar Heels continued to get into their attacking third during the second half, firing off seven more shots during the final 45 minutes of play.
UNC got the chance it was looking for in the 72nd minute when Sentnor found a loose ball inside the box. She sent a pass back to Sember at the top of the box, who unleashed a left-footed strike to the upper right corner.
A disciplined UNC defense prevented Texas Tech, which had been averaging 5.7 shots on goal per game, from attempting any on target.

Inside the Box Score

Sember's game-winner marked her third goal of the year while Sentnor now extends her team lead with six assists and 24 points.
Carolina concluded the match having out-shot its host 16-7, including 7-0 on frame.
This was the third time UNC's defense has kept its opponent without a shot on goal this season, having also done so against Alabama in Friday's second round match.
The Tar Heels snapped a 14-match home game win streak for the Red Raiders, who hadn't lost at John Walker Soccer Complex since Sept. 25, 2022.
Carolina's tally also signaled the first time Texas Tech has allowed a goal on its home turf since Aug. 31.
Emmie Allen picked up her eighth shutout of the year, and Carolina's 10th. White finished with six saves for the Red Raiders.
Allen, Maycee Bell, Emily Colton and Savy King logged a full 90 minutes.

NCAA Tournament Tidbits

North Carolina has an all-time record of 147-17-5 in the NCAA Tournament.
The Tar Heels are 17-5-2 in the NCAA Third Round, out-scoring its third-round opponents 59-21 all-time.
UNC extends its streak as the only team to appear in all 42 NCAA Tournaments.
Carolina has won 21 of 41 NCAA titles (plus the 1981 AIAW title for 22 national championships).
The Tar Heels have appeared in 31 College Cups, including four of the last five.
Carolina has advanced to the national title game 27 times (including three of the last five) and has finished as the runner-up six times overall.
UNC has been the No. 3 seed twice before, winning the first-ever NCAA women's soccer title in 1982 and advancing to the second round in 2015.

Up Next
The Tar Heels, who are a No. 3 seed in the tournament, are set to battle No. 1 seed Brigham Young in the NCAA Quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 24. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. MT) at South Field in Provo, Utah, with a spot in the College Cup on the line.

The complete bracket can be found here.

Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.