FH Dominant In 4-0 Senior Day Win Over Boston College

Sunday, October 27

Chapel Hill

Noon

North Carolina

Boston College

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati

October 27, 2024 | Field Hockey

Box Score

By: William Soule

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In its final regular season home game, the North Carolina field hockey team dominated once again in a 4-0 victory over No. 9 Boston College. It was a happy occasion at Karen Shelton Stadium on Sunday as the team honored their seven graduating seniors after the game.

The Tar Heels (14-0, 7-0 ACC) outshot the top-10 ranked Eagles 26 to 6 and had 11 penalty corners while only giving up two themselves. Head coach Erin Matson's team, which just this week lost its top ranking in the NFHCA poll by three points, leaves the weekend outscoring two top-10 conference opponents 8-0 while outshooting them by a combined 36-22 margin.

The opening goal for Carolina came from the most unlikely of sources, as senior defender Kelly Smith redirected a shot from Jasmina Smolenaars through the goalkeeper's legs and into the net. It was Smith's first career goal in her 72^nd game on only her third career shot.

On her senior day, Smith was undoubtedly the Heels' most valuable player. In addition to the goal, she was rock solid in the back line. In the third quarter, she denied a sure goal by getting her stick in the way right on the goal line for a defensive save.

Reigning Honda Award winner Ryleigh Heck added three more points to her season total with a goal and an assist against the Eagles. For the second straight game, she was the epitome of the age-old adage that the best offense is good defense. Straight off the sideline after serving her two minutes for a green card, she intercepted a pass from a Boston College defender and went all the way herself for her 11^th goal of the season.

Her assist came after some great Tar Heel team defense got the counterattack started. Heck from near midfield found Jasmina Smolenaars, another senior honored after the game, who made her way around the keeper to put the game to bed.

Sophomore Sanne Hak finished off the scoring by converting from the penalty spot to make it four goals in back-to-back games for Carolina.

The Tar Heels will wrap up their regular season next Friday in Durham against Duke before the ACC tournament starts shortly after. The matchup with the Blue Devils will be broadcast live on ACC Network.