CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — #20 Old Dominion field hockey defeated #5 North Carolina in courtesy of a shootout goal from Serena Langendoen in overtime, securing a 5-4 come-from-behind victory for the Monarch’s first win over the Tar Heels since 2013.
“Well that was a wild one!” Head Coach Andrew Griffiths said. “I’m so happy for our players, and that they were rewarded for the courage, grit and determination they showed in a tough away stadium and environment. This was a game that was won with good hockey at times, but I think it was won with heart. We got stronger with each quarter as the game went along. We were down 3-0 in the first half after some miscues, but we were playing decently and got on the board just before the break. But after halftime we played with more confidence and just moved the ball better. We peppered the UNC goal and put them under a lot of pressure, and found an exciting way back! It was fitting that Seréna scored the overtime winner, she had a fantastic game. But Suus played very well in goal, made a bunch of tough saves, and Sofia scored two goals as well. But many players had an impact and it was a team win from start to finish.”
North Carolina (2-3) took control of the game early, with Ella Barbacci and Molly Nussbaumer grabbing goals within the first 10 minutes of play. Old Dominion (4-1) was unable to respond and neither team was awarded corners by the end of the first quarter as ODU trailed 2-0.
The Tar Heels extended their lead on a corner, where Charly Bruder found the goal thanks to assists from Grace Pottebaum and Caroline Golden. ODU responded four minutes later, when Lengendoen also scored on a corner with help from Madison Zalewski and Nicolette Saccomandi, leaving the Monarchs down 3-1 at halftime.
UNC scored its final goal of the game with four minutes remaining in the third quarter, as Barbacci grabbed her second goal of the night. However, ODU’s Sofia Marciano scored just 30 seconds later to keep the Monarchs in the game as they entered the final quarter down, 4-2.
Marciano was quick to grab another goal four minutes into the fourth quarter, though it wasn’t until under six minutes remained that Josie Painter tied the game for the Monarchs off an unassisted goal. While both ODU and UNC would have penalty corners before the regulation ended, neither were able to score, sending the game to overtime tied at four.
Each team had their chances in overtime, with the Tar Heels outshooting the Monarchs in the extra session 4-3, but Langendoen was able to connect on a penalty stroke goal following an ODU corner to secure the win for the Monarchs.
ODU dominated in the fourth period, outshooting UNC 15-3 before delivering the win in overtime.
The win snaps a nine-game losing streak to UNC and is ODU’s first win over a top-five ranked opponent since a 2-1 win over #4 Virginia in 2021.
Marciano and Langendoen tied for a team-high two goals in the game, while Painter had one. Langendoen, Zalewski, and Saccomandi also tied in assists with one each. Langendoen had a game-high 11 shots.
Suurs Broers collects her fourth win in the season after recording seven saves with four goals allowed.
“Our team is growing together and today was a good step,” Griffiths added. “It was a team win and many contributions from different players - this has been the story of our season so far, and we will aim to continue that way.”
UP NEXT
Old Dominion returns home on Friday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. for its first BIG EAST competition of the year against Providence at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex.