The University of North Carolina’s field hockey squad entered the season with a No. 2 national ranking, but their opening test proved far tougher than expected.
Michigan struck first, converting a penalty stroke in the third quarter to take a 1‑0 lead, and the Tar Heels answered back in the fourth with a low shot from junior midfielder Coco Courtright, set up by forward Charly Bruder.
Goalkeeper Merritt Skubisz kept the Heels in the game with a career‑high seven saves, but a defensive lapse in overtime allowed Sietske Brüning to find the winning goal, sealing a 2‑1 victory for the Wolverines.
Looking Ahead
The loss drops UNC to 0‑1 overall and 0‑0 in ACC play, while Michigan improves to 1‑0 in the Big Ten. The Tar Heels will next travel to face No. 11 Iowa in the ACC‑Big Ten Challenge on Sunday, a rematch that could restore momentum.