A Shocking Overtime Victory
The 2026 season opened under a cloud of anticipation as Michigan’s field hockey squad traveled to face the No. 2 North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. A two‑hour weather delay forced both teams to wait, but the pause only heightened the drama.
Eva Bernardy broke the deadlock with a penalty stroke, her sixth career goal putting the Wolverines ahead early in the second half. The lead held through a tense stretch, but North Carolina’s Charly Bruder equalized in overtime, forcing a sudden‑death finish.
With seconds ticking down, redshirt freshman Sofia Ghanbari seized the moment, slotting the decisive goal on her collegiate debut. Her strike capped a 2‑1 victory that marked Michigan’s seventh win over the Tar Heels and their first since 2021.
Statistically, Michigan dominated penalty corners 3‑0 and outshot North Carolina 12‑9, while goaltender Hala Silverstein made the only save for the Wolverines. Merritt Skubisz, between the posts for UNC, recorded seven saves.
Looking ahead, Michigan will test its momentum against No. 7 Wake Forest on Sunday, August 30, at Kentner Stadium, hoping to carry the early‑season spark into the remainder of the schedule.