Field Hockey Grinds Out 1-0 Win Over Miami In NCAA First Round

Friday, November 13

Evanston, Ill.

3:30 PM ET

North Carolina

(13-7)

Miami

(15-5)

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
MIAMIOH	0	0	0	0	0
UNC	1	0	0	0	1

Game Notes

November 13, 2026 | Field Hockey

Box Score

By: William Soulé

EVANSTON, ILL. – Sixty minutes of team defense and an early goal from Dani Mendez propelled Carolina field hockey to a 1-0 win over Miami in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Friday afternoon at Lakeside Field.

The Tar Heels (13-7) punched their ticket to the quarterfinals by shutting out the nation's second-highest scoring offense, allowing just three shots on goal to the RedHawks. UNC advanced past the first round for the 36th time in 43 trips to the NCAA Tournament.

Carolina took control of the contest early thanks to Mendez's goal. The Tar Heels started the fast break after a takeaway before the ball eventually made its way to freshman Morgan O'Donnell on the wing. O'Donnell drove past a pair of RedHawks before sending in a cross that only required a touch from Mendez to push it over the line.

O'Donnell started the season playing primarily on defense, but due to recent injuries in the squad the Carolina coaching staff has asked her to play in a midfield position. The Lincoln University, Pa., native has made the most of whatever opportunities come her way.

"As a freshman, she's very mature, it's very impressive to see her stepping up into a huge role in a huge position for us," said Mendez of O'Donnell after the game. "She did great as a defensive player, but even coming into a midfield position it's a little bit different but she's been handling it beautifully."

The remainder of the contest was largely defined by the defenses on both sides, keeping it a low-scoring affair between two top-five offenses. Carolina generated 14 shots, but only four were on target.

Late in the fourth quarter, Miami pulled its goalkeeper to push for an equalizer. The pressure produced two penalty corners for the RedHawks, but UNC goalkeeper Tessa Shahbo made two big saves in quick succession to preserve the shutout.

After the game, Matson gave credit to her veteran trio of Sietske Brüning, Ryleigh Heck and Mendez for snuffing out whatever threats Miami threw at the Carolina defense. It was the ninth shutout of the season for UNC and the fourth in the NCAA Tournament for the program in Matson's tenure.

The Tar Heels moved on to the second round where they will face their regional hosts and No. 1 seed Northwestern. It will be the fifth time in the last six years the two teams have faced off in the postseason. This year's game will be on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. ET.