The No. 2 UNC field hockey team entered its season‑opening matchup against No. 14 Michigan with high expectations, having gone unbeaten in season openers since 2021.
From the first whistle the Tar Heels pressed aggressively, generating three quality chances in the opening five minutes, but Michigan’s defense held firm.
Midway through the third quarter the Wolverines earned a penalty stroke, and a clinical finish put them ahead 1‑0. UNC’s sophomore goalkeeper Merritt Skubisz made seven saves, including a career‑high effort, yet could not stop the stroke.
A Late Equaliser and a Missed Chance
Junior midfielder Coco Courtright answered with a low shot that tied the game in the fourth quarter, shifting momentum back toward the Tar Heels.
The deadlock persisted into overtime, where a defensive slip allowed Michigan to strike again. Sietske Brüning’s sudden‑death goal secured a 2‑1 win for the Wolverines.
Despite the loss, UNC will look to rebound when they meet No. 11 Iowa in the next ACC‑Big Ten Challenge game on Sunday at 11 a.m.