WFU keeper stops Heels in semis

DURHAM — Talk about taking a team out of its comfort zone.

That is just what third-seeded Wake Forest did to the second-seeded North Carolina field hockey squad Friday night in the Tar Heels' 2-1 loss in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament.

To this point in the season UNC regularly would get two-assist goals from inside the crowded shooting circle taking full advantage of even the smallest of openings.

But Friday those spaces were even more cramped thanks in large part to an active Wake Forest defense headed by goalkeeper Crystal Duffield" who made her presence felt well beyond the keeper's traditional territory.

""She's a very active goalkeeper" and we're aware of that because we've been playing against her forever UNC coach Karen Shelton said.

Friday marked UNC's fifth game against Duffield since 2007 — only the second loss.

We know it's coming but it still surprises you if you're down having to maneuver with the ball and all of a sudden" the goalie's on top off you.""

Duffield finished the game with five saves"" limiting North Carolina to almost three goals fewer than the Tar Heels' season average.

""She's a goalie who comes out quickly"" senior Britt van Beek said.

We talked about playing around it or hitting it high over her. It didn't really work out.""

North Carolina's lone goal came on a deflection off a penalty corner" when extra space is available as only five Wake Forest defenders — including Duffield — are allowed in the circle.

Never was Duffield's attacking style more evident than at the 14-minute mark of the second half.

Working off a takeaway on the defensive end the Tar Heels streaked down the field and got the ball to a breaking Charlotte Verstraten.

The freshman starter had a one-on-one with Duffield who — just as she had time and time again already — charged the UNC ball handler. And neither was about to give ground to the other resulting in perhaps the game's most exciting moment.

Before Verstraten could get off a shot she found herself flipping through the air tripped by the sliding Duffield landing on her back.

After reaching for her leg on what briefly appeared to be a serious injury" Verstraten got up and set up with her teammates for the awarded penalty corner.

""I just had the feeling she had a goal shot after that. It's tough because (the referee) could have called a stroke" but he didn't van Beek said.

I think a corner was the right call too. It's just like it sucks because she was open and she was ready for the shot" and she got taken out.""

The Tar Heels didn't convert on that corner or either of their next two" and the Deacons held on to advance to the ACC Championship Game where they lost Sunday to No. 1-seeded Maryland.

The 2008 NCAA Tournament field which certainly will include UNC will be announced Tuesday evening and it's anyone's guess as to where the Tar Heels will be playing" whether it be close to home or several hundreds of miles away.

""(Wake Forest) will probably host"" Shelton said. And I think either Duke or North Carolina will play (in Winston-Salem) but not both.""



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