University of North Carolina Athletics
Thursday, September 11
Blacksburg, Va.
7 p.m.
North Carolina
7-2-0, 1-0-0
2
at
1
Virginia Tech
4-3-2, 0-1-0
1
2
F
North Carolina
0
2
2
Virginia Tech
0
1
1
Tar Heels Open ACC Play With Win Over Hokies, 2-1
September 11, 2025 | Women's Soccer
BLACKSBURG, Va. - University of North Carolina women's soccer (7-2, 1-0 ACC) opened Atlantic Coast Conference play with a 2-1 win over Virginia Tech (4-3-2, 0-1 ACC) Thursday night. In thrilling fashion, the Tar Heels edged out the Hokies with a goal in the 87th minute.
The first half was a defensive battle between the teams. Carolina only took five shots while holding Virginia Tech to three. The Tar Heels and Hokies headed into the break tied at zero all.
Until the 72nd minute, the second half seemed to be playing out similarly to the first. Tessa Dellarose then took a long strike to net her first goal of the season. The midfielder's goal gave the Tar Heels a one-point edge with just 17 minutes to go.
Virginia Tech responded with an equalizing goal four minutes later.
With the clock winding down and lights shining brighter, Olivia Thomas owned the moment. Ashley Pennie played the ball up the field before the forward nailed the game winning goal with just three and a half minutes left. Thomas' eighth goal of the season sealed the deal for UNC to open conference play with a win.
Quick Stats
The first half was a defensive battle between the teams. Carolina only took five shots while holding Virginia Tech to three. The Tar Heels and Hokies headed into the break tied at zero all.
Until the 72nd minute, the second half seemed to be playing out similarly to the first. Tessa Dellarose then took a long strike to net her first goal of the season. The midfielder's goal gave the Tar Heels a one-point edge with just 17 minutes to go.
Virginia Tech responded with an equalizing goal four minutes later.
With the clock winding down and lights shining brighter, Olivia Thomas owned the moment. Ashley Pennie played the ball up the field before the forward nailed the game winning goal with just three and a half minutes left. Thomas' eighth goal of the season sealed the deal for UNC to open conference play with a win.
Quick Stats
- The Tar Heels took 12 shots with six on goal.
- Carolina held Virginia Tech to just three shots on goal.
- UNC took 10 corner kicks compared to the six taken by Virginia Tech.
- Olivia Thomas recorded her eighth goal of the season.
- The Tar Heels' win marked their 23rd over the Hokies and just the eighth in Blacksburg.
Team Stats
UNC
VT
Goals
2
1
Shots
12
9
Shots on Goal
6
3
Saves
2
4
Corners
10
6
Fouls
7
10
Scoring Plays
Tessa Dellarose (1)
GOAL by UNC Dellarose, Tessa.
72:38
Taylor Lewin (2)
GOAL by VT Lewin, Taylor.
76:35
Olivia Thomas (8)
GOAL by UNC Thomas, Olivia.
86:26
Game Leaders
Shots
4
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
3
SOG
2
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
Midfielder/Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder
/ Women's SoccerForward
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