CLEMSON, S.C. – No. 11/15 Clemson (3-4, 0-3 ACC) fell to No. 1/1 North Carolina (6-0, 3-0 ACC), 12-9, Wednesday night at Conklin Field in Clemson, S.C., after making a seven-goal push in the second half.
Clemson started off strong, getting possession right away but was soon followed by an early turnover to ignite UNC to take a 2-0 lead. The Tigers held them to 2-1 in the first quarter but the Tar Heels took control and ended the first half of the game with an 8-2 lead. Opening the second half, Clemson came out ready, immediately putting one in the back of the net to give Clemson life. Closing out the third quarter, UNC still led 11-4. The Tigers did not let down and came back with an impressive, action-packed fourth quarter, with Jazzy Stanton earning a hat trick on the night. UNC came into this season averaging 21 goals per game but freshman Tessa DeLuca held them to only 12. Clemson put up a fight against this No. 1 team but fell short 12-9.
FIRST QUARTER | 2-1, UNC
Clemson came out fired up, winning the DC and pushing forward but an early turnover soon halted their momentum, giving UNC a 2-0 lead. UNC struck first at 10:15, following another goal soon after. The Tigers answered with Brooke Goldstein, assisted by Emma Penczek. Goldstein’s 11th goal of the season, 30th career goal and 80th career point. The Tar Heels led 2-1 after an intense back-and-forth quarter.
SECOND QUARTER | 8-2, UNC
UNC started the quarter firing three scores to make it 5-1 within the first three minutes. Chloe Humphrey took control, scoring her third goal of the quarter, advancing the Tar Heels to a 6-1 lead at 7:53. The Tar Heels continued their rhythm at 1:44, making it 7-1. Clemson did not back down, responding with just a minute left, Stanton put one in the back of the net, 7-2. Humphrey scored once again, giving her four goals, ending the first half with an 8-2 UNC lead.
THIRD QUARTER | 11-4, UNC
Clemson wasted no time, putting the pressure on during a woman-up goal. Aubrie Eisfield scored her first goal of the night (13th of the season). UNC responded right back with the same strategy, making it 9-3. Stanton struck again, her second of the day and 24th of her career. Clemson made strides, but UNC scored at 4:46 and 1:37 to give the Tar Heels an 11-4 lead by the end of the quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER | 12-9, UNC
Clemson brought out energy, firing up Conklin Field. With a woman-up, Natalie Shurtleff struck, followed by Alexa Spallina, both scoring within the first three minutes. The Tar Heels did not let up, making it a 12-6 game as 11:18 remained. Spallina fired a free-position shot that went in for a goal with the Tigers still being down by five. Bridget Babcock followed with goal number four of the season. With just 20 seconds left in the game, Clemson scored with Stanton earning a hat trick on the night. Clemson started to rally late in the game but it was not enough to defeat UNC, ending the game with a 12-9 final.
STATS RECAP
UP NEXT
Clemson will face No. 6/7 Notre Dame this Sunday, March 8 at Conklin Field for a noon game.
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