Lauren Ritter

Sports

Swimmers Race Past 'Pack, Prepare for UVa.

By Lauren Ritter | January 16

RALEIGH -- Leaving the comforts of Koury Natatorium behind and traveling to N.C. State to swim in a less-than-stellar facility didn't seem to bother the North Carolina women's swimming and diving team very much. The Tar Heels lost both of the diving competitions but won all but one swimming event to beat the Wolfpack 191-109 on Wednesday. "The pool is definitely not what we're used to," said co-captain Janna Turner. "It's just part of staying focused. No matter what the pool's like or who you're racing next to, you have to remember what you're here for."

Sports

UNC Swimmers Split Dual Meet

By Lauren Ritter | January 13

After a seven-week hiatus from competition and one week of intense training in Phoenix, the North Carolina swimming and diving teams took back to the waters of Koury Natatorium on Saturday. The double dual meet pitted UNC against Rutgers and Florida State. The 11th ranked Tar Heel women (7-1, 2-0 ACC) dominated the meet, winning eight of the 16 events to beat No. 20 FSU 186-114 and Rutgers 207-93.

Sports

Orner's Kick Guarantees Relief, Joy

By Lauren Ritter | November 25

DURHAM -- Being tackled at the end of the game was probably not what North Carolina place kicker Dan Orner expected, especially by his own teammates or a giant, inflatable Duke football helmet. But that's exactly what happened when he took off down the field after kicking the game-winning field goal as time expired in Saturday's game. "I think I thought of it earlier in the year when we were watching tape against Duke," Orner said. "I saw the helmet, I said, 'Man, that would be kind of cool if I kick the game winner and I ran out through the helmet.'"

Sports

Field Hockey Team Compiles First Losing Record Since 1981

By Lauren Ritter | November 15

This year's North Carolina field hockey team had a season a lot like last year's men's basketball team -- record breaking, but not in a good way. This year is the first time since 1982 the Tar Heels failed to make the NCAA tournament, compiling their first losing record since UNC coach Karen Shelton's first year in 1981. The Tar Heels had to win the ACC tournament this weekend in order to qualify for the NCAA tournament. When they failed to do that, their season was over.

Sports

Swimming Dominates Blue Devils

By Lauren Ritter | November 13

No more than 50 people were there to see it Tuesday night, but the North Carolina swimming and diving teams continued their dominance over Duke. The men won their meet 183-100 and the women won 164-123. The women, who have never lost to the Blue Devils, made it 29 straight wins against their ACC rivals. The men, who haven't lost since 1939, improved their record to 66-2. But, not only did UNC win the meet, the men and women won every single event.

Sports

Perruquet's Competitive Edge Gleams in the Water

By Lauren Ritter | November 4

Growing up in Danville, Pa., Jessi Perruquet always knew she wanted to be a swimmer. She just didn't know then that she would be such a good one. "I probably learned to swim before I could walk," she wrote in an e-mail. "My mom used to always take my sisters and brothers and me to the pool when we were little, so I was exposed to the water a lot.

Sports

UNC Swimmers Lap Competition

By Lauren Ritter | October 28

You wouldn't expect a college team to compete against middle- and high-school-aged swimmers, but the North Carolina mens' and women's swim teams did just that Friday night. The Tar Heels also swam against N.C. State and UNC-Wilmington, but they were outnumbered by the younger club team swimmers. "This is a practice meet, where we get to practice racing," UNC coach Frank Comfort said. "We invite anyone who wants to compete ... and it is the only time we compete against non-college swimmers." So accordingly, the annual Tar Heel Invitational is a relaxed meet for North Carolina.

Sports

Swim Team Will Navigate Home Waters More Often

By Lauren Ritter | October 15

The North Carolina men's and women's swim teams will have at least one thing going for them this season. The Tar Heels will be hosting 11 of their 13 meets, as well as the ACC tournament, in the familiar waters of Koury Natatorium. "It's always more comfortable to swim at home," said senior tri-captain Stephen Mohr. "You don't have to travel or anything, and I love competing in Chapel Hill. I'm really excited to finish out my career at home."

Sports

Lack of Preparation Disables UNC in OT

By Lauren Ritter | October 7

North Carolina is often considered a field hockey powerhouse for a regular 70 minute game, but when the clock runs out and the score is tied, the team struggles. The Tar Heels are 2-2 in overtime this year and 6-9 in the past four years. "It's not easy to play seven-a-side for an extra 30 minutes," said UNC coach Karen Shelton. "I know, I've done it." In field hockey, overtime is a lot like soccer.

Sports

Winthrow Passes Down Her Knowledge in the Net

By Lauren Ritter | October 7

John Bunting, Matt Doherty, Phil Ford, Jana Withrow. All are former North Carolina athletes who have returned to coach, but only one has been a three-time national champion, four-time ACC champion, two-time All American and an integral part of a perfect 24-0 season. Funny that the athlete who racked up all those accolades is also the least recognizable name on that list.