UVA Field Hockey Stages Epic Comeback, Knocks Off No. 2 North Carolina

On a day of celebration with the Virginia field hockey team honoring its seniors as well as the program's 50th anniversary, the Cavaliers delivered a performance fitting to the occasion as UVA erased a 2-0 deficit with a three-goal flurry in the third quarter and defeated No. 2 North Carolina on Friday afternoon in Charlottesville.

Coming into this game, the Tar Heels had won each of the last 12 games against the Cavaliers, whose last win against UNC came in the 2016 ACC Championship Game. Early on, it seemed like that trend would continue as North Carolina jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage thanks to a pair of goals from Ryleigh Heck in the second quarter.

After not attempting a single shot in the first half, the Hoos stormed out of the gates in the second half and had their opponent firmly on their heels. Virginia attempted four shots in the third quarter and found the back of the cage on three of them.

Just two and a half minutes into the second half, the Cavaliers broke through for their first goal of the game as Noa Boterman converted on a pass from Taryn Tkachuk. A few minutes later, UVA tallied the equalizer as Emily Field scored on a penalty corner.

The roll continued for Virginia soon after that as Lauren Kenah blasted a shot towards the front of the cage and Tkachuk redirected it in to give the Cavaliers the lead for good. In a little over five minutes of game time, UVA scored three goals and turned the game on its head.

Tyler Kennedy and the Virginia defense did the rest, protecting the lead for the remaining 20 minutes, including the last six+ minutes with an extra UNC player on the field. Kennedy made three saves in the game and the Cavaliers held on for the thrilling victory, handing the Tar Heels their first ACC loss of the season.

Celebrate 50 years of Virginia Field Hockey ✅

Senior Day Festivities ✅

Beat UNC ✅

Here are all 3 goals from today!!!!#GoHoos ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/RIvctI8iWT
— Virginia Field Hockey (@UVAFieldHockey) October 20, 2023

“I don’t need to say much because this game speaks for itself, but that’s one heck of a way to kick off a celebration weekend," said UVA head coach Michele Madison after the game. "I’m glad we had a display of nice hockey for the fans and for the alums that came back. I look forward to celebrating the rest of the weekend with them.”

It was a perfect day for the Virginia field hockey program, which honored seven of its eight all-time head coaches as part of the 50th anniversary celebration as well as fourth years Lilly Hengerer, Meghen Hengerer, Anneloes Knol, and Esha Shah for Senior Day.

With the win, Virginia improves to 10-5 overall and 3-3 in ACC play. UVA will play at JMU on Tuesday at 5pm in the regular season finale and then the Cavaliers will return home to host the 2023 ACC Field Hockey Championship from October 31st-November 3rd at the UVA Turf Field.

Subscribe to the Cavaliers Now Newsletter to receive UVA sports news in your inbox first thing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

See more Virginia sports news and content: Virginia Cavaliers on Sports Illustrated

To stay up to date on all Virginia Cavaliers sports news, follow CavaliersNow on social media:

Facebook: @CavaliersNow
Twitter: @CavaliersNowFN