Michigan State’s women’s soccer team traveled to Chapel Hill on Sunday and pulled off a 3‑2 victory over seventh‑ranked North Carolina, marking the Spartans’ first road win over a top‑ten opponent this season.
Road Triumph Highlights Spartans’ Depth
The game opened with Kennedy Bell striking first in the 21st minute, only for Summer Denigan to level the score two minutes later. A red card to UNC’s Bella Gaetino set the stage for Bella Najera’s 63rd‑minute free‑kick that restored the lead, and Emerson Sargeant’s assist later fed Bell’s second goal in the 53rd minute.
Noelle Henning’s three saves kept the Spartans ahead despite a penalty kick by UNC in the 73rd minute, while the defense held firm to preserve the win.
The win improved Michigan State to 3‑0, with Bell’s two goals and two assists highlighted by Ella Janz, who tied her career best with two assists, and Makenzie Kruer also contributing. Bella Najera’s first goal of the season came on a set piece, and the team’s defensive resilience was evident throughout a high‑heat contest.