The 14th ranked Virginia Cavaliers (10-7, 3-3) lost in OT 3-2 on Senior Night to the 10th ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (10-6, 4-2) at Turf Field in Charlottesville, Virginia on Friday night in the regular-season finale. The Cavaliers’ three-game winning streak came to a close, as the Hoos have now lost nine straight to the Tar Heels.
In the first quarter, the Hoos got off to a slow start, falling behind 1-0 on a goal from Erin Matson. The Hoos were forced to play defense for the majority of the quarter and as a result, were outshot 4-1 by UNC.
UNC continued its momentum into the second quarter with another goal from Erin Matson off of a penalty corner to grow their lead to 2-0. However, the Cavaliers quickly responded with a goal from Graduate Student Back Makayla Gallen, her third of the season, to cut into the deficit. The Cavaliers were then able to tie up before halftime with a beautiful goal from Junior Striker Laura Janssen, her fourth of the season, on the assist from Freshman Midfielder Noa Bateman.
The second half was a defensive slugfest with neither team able to take advantage of their offensive opportunities. The game ultimately went to overtime, where Erin Matson scored the game-winner and her third goal of the game to end the game in heartbreak for the Hoos.
The loss on Friday night concludes the regular season for the Hoos, as the Cavaliers will now travel to Syracuse, New York for the ACC Tournament. The Hoos are the #5 seed in the ACC Tournament and will play the #4 seed Boston College Eagles (12-4, 3-3) on Thursday, November 4 at 1 PM on ACCN.
