The No. 1 UNC field hockey team (8-0, 3-0 ACC) defeated No. 20 California (6-3, 0-3 ACC), 3-1, at Underhill Field in Berkeley.
Sophomore forward Charly Bruder led the way with all three Tar Heel goals, keeping the Golden Bears winless in their new conference.
UNC finished its west coast portion of the road trip unblemished, with a combined score of 6-1 against Stanford and California. The Golden Bears’ single goal was the first the Tar Heels conceded in five games.
North Carolina had the first penalty corner of the game five minutes in, after junior forward Ryleigh Heck slid into the center of the striking circle and drew the call. The play led to a setup for Bruder whose shot from the top left of the circle hit a Cal defender.
With five minutes remaining in the quarter, the Tar Heels drew three consecutive penalty corners, all of which resulted in junior midfielder Sietske Bruning shots being blocked. About a minute later, sophomore midfielder Sanne Hak came flying into the right side of the circle, barreling towards the net with a head full of steam, but her forehand shot traveled high and wide of the net.
Senior forward Lisa Slinkert also had a scoring opportunity late in the first quarter, streaking down the right side but getting met by Cal goalkeeper Tina Jolly to break up the play.
The start of the second quarter saw the Golden Bears’ first and only corner kick of the half, which was easily dismissed by the defensive slide by the Tar Heels.
Six minutes into the second quarter, Heck had a chance in front after a centering pass from Hak, but the shot attempt was sticked away. Three minutes later, Heck broke in again on the left side but her shot was kicked away by Jolly.
With six minutes remaining in the quarter, Bruder slid through the left side of the defense and ripped a quick shot that snuck inside the near post, breaking the scoreless tie. UNC kept the intensity up with Hak throwing another shot on goal just seconds later, but Jolly easily handled the play.
