When the North Carolina field hockey team takes on Michigan in its season opener Saturday, UNC will face more than the Wolverines. They’ll also be competing against the pressure that comes with the Tar Heels’ potential.
After a devastating double-overtime loss to Maryland in the national championship game last season, UNC is primed for another title run in 2011.
The six-time national champion Tar Heels are the favorites in the ACC, boast three players on the Preseason All-ACC team and will enter the season ranked No. 2 in the nation.
With such high expectations, the Tar Heels are not holding back on their goals for the season.
“We would love to win the ACC championship because we haven’t done that in a few years,” junior Caitlin Van Sickle said. “But I think one of our higher goals is to be undefeated. I think our team has the potential to be pretty great.”
But with a tough schedule in 2011, the Tar Heels’ goal of perfection might be hard to come by.
North Carolina will play seven of the preseason top-20 this year, including a much-anticipated rematch with defending national champion Maryland on Oct. 22.
The team’s goals are lofty, and the pressure will be on head coach Karen Shelton to keep the Tar Heels focused on the field.
“Were a much better team this year than we were last year,” Shelton said. “We want to win the national championship. But if we think we are already there, then we are in trouble. What we don’t want to do this season is talk about the end. We want to focus on each game and practice as they present themselves.”
