Nov. 11, 2012
Highlights and Postgame Interview from Beth Anders
Postgame Reaction from Redshirt Senior Goalkeeper Marla Petriello
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - No. 1 North Carolina ended No. 8 Old Dominion's hopes of reaching the NCAA Field Hockey Championship Round In Norfolk with a convincing 3-1 victory in the quarterfinals at Francis E. Henry Stadium on Sunday.
After putting on an offensive clinic on Saturday that resulted in a 6-1 win over No. 9 Michigan, the Tar Heels defense stymied ODU's offense and took advantage of 24 shots and 11 corners, 10 of those in the second half. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Marla Petriello had 10 saves as the Lady Monarchs played defense for most the second half.
The game also marked the final contest for ODU head coach Beth Anders after 30 years at the helm. Anders led ODU to a record nine NCAA titles and retires as the winningest Division I coach in history with 561 wins. The Lady Monarchs have advanced to the NCAA tournament a record 30 times. Old Dominion will celebrate Anders' career with a banquet on Jan. 12 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.
"We just didn't play like a team today the way we did yesterday and I don't know why they didn't, but that was the difference," said Anders. Despite the loss representing her last game coaching, Anders was only focused on the game, saying "I was only thinking about this team and this game, but in looking back I always have wanted my teams to play up to their potential and this team did that. I have always loved coaching because of the players and this team was no exception."
North Carolina scored early, just five minutes into the game, when Charlotte Craddock deflected a pass from Emily Wold off a give and go. The Heels second goal came off their only corner of the first half, on an unassisted shot from Caitlin Van Sickle with less than 30 left to play before halftime.
"It is never easy to beat Old Dominion, but the second goal we scored was a backbreaker in terms of our momentum. I want to congratulate ODU and Beth Anders for her outstanding career. She will leave a hole in collegiate field hockey that may never be filled. It was only fitting that this great rivalry we have had between the schools ended with us playing in her last game," said North Carolina head coach Karen Shelton.
UNC scored their third goal just eight minutes into the second half off a penalty stroke from Marta Malmberg. ODU's lone goal came at the 18:12 mark in the second half off a cross from the left side of the field from senior forward Kimberly Oakes off an assist from senior forward Maartje van Rijswijk.
In the first half, ODU had three opportunities to score off three corners. But in each instance the Tar Heels defense thwarted the Lady Monarchs efforts to score. The Lady Monarchs end the season with a 15-6 record.
North Carolina (22-1) advances to the NCAA semifinals, hosted by Old Dominion, on Friday, Nov. 18. The games will be played at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex, with game times at 2:00 and 4:30 pm on Friday and the championship game on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 for all sessions for adults and $15 for children, or $15 and $10 per day. To order go to www.ncaa.com/tickets or call 757 683 4444.
In addition to the tournament, ODU will also host the NFHSA Senior All-Stars vs. the USA National Team on Saturday at 3 p.m. and admission to that event is free.
Follow Old Dominion Field Hockey on Twitter at twitter.com/ODUFieldHockey and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/ODUFH.