The 2023 DI field hockey championship was an intense battle that ended with North Carolina winning in a double-overtime penalty shootout. The Tar Heels emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over the Northwestern Wildcats. The game was tied at one in the third period, with Charly Bruder scoring for UNC and Peyton Halsey equalizing for Northwestern. After two overtimes and a penalty shootout, UNC secured the win. Ryleigh Heck’s skillful shot in the shootout was a highlight, as she dribbled around the goalkeeper and scored for UNC.
North Carolina out-shot Northwestern 14-8, but the Wildcats had more corner opportunities with six to UNC’s four. Both goaltenders, Maddie Kahn and Annabel Skubisz, made crucial saves for their teams.
Erin Matson, in her first year as head coach, led the UNC field hockey team to victory, making her the youngest college head coach to win a national championship. The Tar Heels finished the season with an 18-3 record and won their sixth consecutive ACC title on their way to their 11th national championship, marking their fifth win in six years.
The game went into a penalty shootout after the teams couldn’t break the tie in the second overtime. Each team had five players attempt strokes, with UNC eventually coming out on top.
The 2023 championship was a rematch of the previous year’s final, with UNC facing Northwestern once again. The two teams have undergone changes since their last meeting, with new players making significant contributions to both sides.
Freshmen Olivia Bent-Cole and Ilse Tromp have been key players for Northwestern, while grad student Peyton Halsey has been a standout performer. On the other hand, UNC has seen the emergence of freshmen Charly Bruder and Sanne Hak, who have made significant contributions to the team.
Looking back at last year’s championship, UNC out-shot Northwestern and out-cornered them, ultimately securing the win. This year’s game was reminiscent of the previous encounter, with both teams displaying strong defensive play.
Northwestern’s journey to the final included a hard-fought victory over Duke, with the Wildcats ultimately prevailing with a 2-1 win. The game was closely contested, with both teams putting up a strong fight.
The 2023 DI field hockey championship was a thrilling event, showcasing the talent and determination of both teams. North Carolina’s victory in the penalty shootout was a testament to their skill and resilience, securing their 11th program title.