University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
(9-6, 5-2)
Wake Forest
(11-5, 5-2)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| North Carolina | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
October 23, 2026 | Field Hockey
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The No. 9 Tar Heels (9-6, 5-2 ACC) took the lead twice in the first half before three goals from the No. 10 Demon Deacons after the break gave the visitors the victory. It is the first time since 2021 that Carolina has lost in its final regular season home game.
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Ryleigh Heck was spectacular in the defeat, scoring a pair of fantastic goals in the first half to give UNC a 2-1 lead at halftime. Her first was a skillful scoop over the Wake goalkeeper in the middle of heavy traffic on a penalty corner.
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The second came off a long pass from senior Hope Haynes, who was deep within her own defensive half when she skipped a bouncing ball through the Demon Deacons' press that found Heck. The veteran forward did the rest. With only a goalie and a backtracking Wake defender to beat, Heck spun to create space and slotted into the back of the net.
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Junior midfielder Coco Courtright scored the third of the day for Carolina, rocketing her fifth goal of the season off the woodwork on a corner routine. The strike tied the game with eight minutes left before Wake Forest found the winner five minutes later.
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Mia Schoenbeck had a hat trick for the Demon Deacons, all scored on a drag flick on a penalty corner. Her third goal, with three minutes remaining, was the game-winner.
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The Tar Heels will look for a quick bounce back when they travel to face App State on Sunday afternoon. The game against the Mountaineers is set to start 1 p.m. ET and a live stream will be on the school's YouTube page.
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Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Ryleigh Heck (7)
Assisted By: Reese Anetsberger
GOAL by North Carolina Ryleigh Heck (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Reese Anetsberger, goal number 7 for season.
1:34
Mia Schoenbeck
Assisted By: Brenna Campagna , Mia Montag
GOAL by Wake Forest Mia Schoenbeck, Assist by Brenna Campagna and Mia Montag
11:03
Ryleigh Heck (8)
Assisted By: Hope Haynes
GOAL by North Carolina Ryleigh Heck, Assist by Hope Haynes, goal number 8 for season.
16:10
Bianca Rees-Gibbs (13)
Assisted By: Lena Keller
GOAL by Wake Forest Bianca Rees-Gibbs, Assist by Lena Keller, goal number 13 for season.
30:34
Mia Schoenbeck
Assisted By: Lena Keller , Mia Montag
GOAL by Wake Forest Mia Schoenbeck, Assist by Lena Keller and Mia Montag
42:55
Coco Courtright (5)
Assisted By: Sietske Bruning , Dani Mendez
GOAL by North Carolina Coco Courtright, Assist by Sietske Bruning and Dani Mendez, goal number 5 for season.
52:06
Mia Schoenbeck
Assisted By: Lena Keller , Mia Montag
GOAL by Wake Forest Mia Schoenbeck, Assist by Lena Keller and Mia Montag
57:01
