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Articles by Sarah Stephens
UNC field hockey off to worst start since 1992 after loss to No. 9 Virginia
On Sunday, head coach Erin Matson suffered her third loss at home in her entire coaching career. And just UNC’s second loss at Karen Shelton Stadium since 2024. With that, North Carolina is off to a 3-4 start for the first time since 1992. That season, the Tar Heels went on two 6-game winning streaks to propel themselves into the tournament, and ended up making the NCAA semifinals. They set a precedent that a slow start does not preclude a post-season run. But, for now, North Carolina has work to do.
Skubisz’s saves secure Sunday win against No. 2 Princeton
Sophomore goalkeeper Merritt Skubisz did not play a full game last season. The Tar Heels are now four games into the 2026-2027 season, and she’s already played three. On Sunday afternoon, North Carolina secured an overtime shootout win, 1-0, against Princeton. This marks their 13th straight win over the Tigers, who then sat as the No. 2 team in the nation. UNC recovered from back-to-back losses in the Big Ten Challenge with two wins this weekend against Penn and Princeton.
The top events in Kenan Stadium from the last 10 decades
As the centennial season of Kenan Stadium approaches, the sun has risen and set on a plethora of memorable events held inside its walls. Some are still remembered today in the form of titles and plaques, whereas others are in photographs and lasting legacies. Despite being the setting of 551 UNC football games, it’s not just college football that defines a memorable event in Kenan. Here are some of the top events from each decade of Kenan’s 100 years of history.
No. 2 UNC baseball outlasts Duke, 3-1, in game one on the road
Sports UNC sophomore right-handed pitcher Jason DeCaro (29) pitches during the baseball game against Wake Forest on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Boshamer Stadium. UNC won 3-2. Senior Writer Apr 24, 2026, 1:42 AM DURHAM — No. 2 UNC baseball (35-7-1, 16-6 ACC) outlasted Duke (22-22, 8-14 ACC), 3-1, on Thursday night at Jack Coombs Field. Junior right-handed pitcher Jason DeCaro carried North Carolina to the game one victory in a sluggish offensive performance.
Offensive struggles plague UNC softball in Game 3 loss to No. 15 Duke
Sports UNC utility player MC Eaton (4) runs to first base during the game against Duke at Anderson Softball Stadium on Sunday, April 12, 2026. UNC lost 8-2. Apr 14, 2026, 3:13 AM It wasn’t until the fifth inning that the Tar Heels scored. Despite evening the series in Game 2, North Carolina fell flat against the Blue Devils on Sunday in Game 3. Unlike Game 1, Duke didn’t attack in the first inning. Its offense was held down by UNC’s defense until the scoring drought was broken in the third inning.
UNC softball uses fearless mindset to beat Duke for the first time since 2019
Sports UNC softball players celebrate after a home run during the game against Coastal Carolina at Anderson Softball Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Apr 13, 2026, 12:20 AM Fearlessness. That was the key aspect that led the Tar Heels to their first win over their Tobacco Road rivals in seven years. Duke rattled UNC in game one after a leadoff home run led to four more.
UNC softball defeats No. 15 Duke, 6-5, to even series
Sports UNC softball players are welcomed to the field before the game against Stetson at Anderson Softball Stadium on Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026. UNC won 12-4. Apr 11, 2026, 7:48 PM The North Carolina softball team (30-10, 9-8 ACC) defeated No. 15 Duke (30-12, 14-3 ACC), 6-5, in the second game of the series at Anderson Softball Stadium. UNC shut out Duke in the first inning. After striking out the first batter, the Tar Heels got quick outs.
UNC softball falls to No. 15 Duke, 11-6, at home in game one
The North Carolina softball team (29-10, 8-8 ACC) fell to No. 15 Duke (30-11, 14-2 ACC), 11-6, at Anderson softball stadium Friday night. After a sweep of N.C. State last weekend and a no-hitter on Wednesday, the Tar Heels found themselves behind as the Blue Devils opened with five runs in the first inning. Between the first and third inning, UNC switched out the pitcher three times. At the top of the third, it was 8-0 with four Duke home runs.
UNC hits two homers for the sixth game in a row in Game 3 win over N.C. State
Sports UNC utility player MC Eaton (4) runs the bases during the game against Stetson at Anderson Softball Stadium on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Apr 6, 2026, 12:14 PM When MC Eaton homered to left field in the top of the fifth inning against N.C. State Saturday, not only did she break a 1-1 stalemate, but she also extended UNC softball's two-plus home run streak to six games.
'One of the best': Sanaa Thompson breaks UNC single-season run record in win over N.C. State
RALEIGH — Sanaa Thompson is no stranger to being one of the best. On Friday, making her 99th consecutive start at UNC, she wasn't just one of the best, she was the best. When graduate third baseman Shelby Barbee landed a walk in the third, the junior centerfielder scored her 59th run of the season that extended North Carolina's lead over the Wolfpack en route to an 11-3 run-rule victory and the series win.
Relentless third inning seals the win for UNC softball in game one over N.C. State
Sports UNC junior outfielder Sanaa Thompson (19) and graduate infielder Shelby Barbee (2) celebrate during the game against Coastal Carolina at Anderson Softball Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. UNC won 8-2. Apr 4, 2026, 8:16 PM RALEIGH — In the bottom of the second inning, when a second zero appeared on the scoreboard to accompany the top, it appeared as though it was going to be a slow, low scoring game. But four batters into the top of the third, UNC softball had the bases loaded.
UNC softball down N.C. State, 11-3, in game two to win series
RALEIGH — The North Carolina softball team (27-9, 7-7 ACC) defeated N.C. State, 11-3, in its second game of the series against the Wolfpack (21-16, 3-7 ACC) on Friday night. A five-run explosive start put the Tar Heels in the driving seat to secure their series victory against NC State. The Tar Heels got off to a strong start: junior centerfielder Sanaa Thompson opened the contest with a double to deep center field.
Despite two walk-offs, offense dips in UNC softball's final game against Boston College
Sports UNC junior outfielder Sanaa Thompson (19) runs during the softball game against Boston College on Friday, Feb. 27, 2025 at Anderson Field. UNC won 10-9. Mar 3, 2026, 2:00 AM North Carolina softball’s historic win streak has come to an end. Although it won the opening weekend series of ACC play, the Tar Heels lost the final game against Boston College, 10-2. But in the first two games, they were a completely different team. The telltale sign that something was off on Sunday was one single stat.
Young depth takes center stage in UNC women's basketball's win over Pittsburgh
Sports UNC redshirt sophomore guard Laila Hull (4) drives towards the net during the game against Pitt at Carmichael Arena on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. UNC won 78-50. Feb 24, 2026, 2:55 AM It was a slow first quarter. The Tar Heels shot 22 percent from the field and only 10 percent from three. Pitt, which is 1-15 in the ACC, had been leading the full first quarter against then-No. 22 North Carolina, until a shift happened in the second.
'That was gone': UNC softball has perfect eighth inning to beat App State
Sports UNC first-year pitcher/utility Lilly Parrish (24) during the softball game against Drexel on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at Anderson Field. UNC won 16-1. Feb 23, 2026, 3:13 AM In the top of the seventh inning, App State scored a run with no outs. Two outs later, it reached home on an error. UNC had been leading 3-1 since junior catcher Rayna Blackwell's home run in the fourth. Suddenly, it was tied. Two things needed to happen: First, a stop. Then, a miracle.
No. 11 UNC baseball wins game two against Indiana, 12-2, in seven innings
Sports UNC junior infielder Gavin Gallaher (5) triples during the game against Indiana at Boshamer Stadium on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Feb 14, 2026, 7:57 PM The No. 11 Diamond Heels (2-0) defeated Indiana (0-2), 12-2, in the opening to their double header on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill. Junior left-handed pitcher Folger Boaz threw a no-hitter first inning.
UNC softball channels scrappy offensive mentality in win over Coastal Carolina
Sports UNC junior outfielder Sanaa Thompson (19) and graduate infielder Shelby Barbee (2) celebrate during the game against Coastal Carolina at Anderson Softball Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. UNC won 8-2. Feb 13, 2026, 8:01 PM "Relentlessly scrappy." That's UNC's offensive motto this season, no matter the game or score. And that's what North Carolina turned to down 2-0 to Coastal Carolina in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Column: Defensive rebounding is UNC women's basketball's Achilles heel
Sports UNC head coach Courtney Banghart shouts to her players during the game against UNC Greensboro at Carmichael Arena on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. Senior Writer Jan 26, 2026, 8:42 PM One rebound almost cost UNC women’s basketball an ACC win. Or, rather, three rebounds on one possession. But this issue didn’t start on Sunday against Syracuse. UNC has been overpowered by other teams on the defensive boards all of conference play.
UNC women's basketball beats Georgia Tech, 54-46, on Thursday night
Sports UNC sophomore guard Elina Aarnisalo (17) dribbles the ball during the game against UNC Greensboro at Carmichael Arena on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. UNC won 98-48. Jan 23, 2026, 3:05 AM The UNC women’s basketball team (16-5, 5-3 ACC) topped Georgia Tech (8-12, 3-5 ACC), 54-46, on Thursday night. The Tar Heels secured their third consecutive ACC victory despite a tough shooting night.
North Carolina women’s basketball takes down Florida State, 82-55
Sports UNC first-year guard Nyla Brooks (7) goes for a free throw during the women's basketball game against Stanford on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 at Carmichael Arena. UNC lost 77-71. Jan 18, 2026, 9:08 PM The North Carolina women’s basketball team (15-5, 4-3) defeated Florida State (6-13, 1-6), 82-55, in Tallahassee on Sunday. Since entering conference play, the Tar Heels have struggled to maintain a solid defensive rhythm and have dropped out of the rankings.
UNC women's basketball defeats Miami, 73-62, in bounce-back conference game
Sports UNC redshirt sophomore forward Ciera Toomey (21) fights for the ball during the game against Miami at Carmichael Arena on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Senior Writer Jan 16, 2026, 1:58 AM North Carolina women’s basketball (14-5, 3-3) outlasted Miami (11-7, 3-4), 73-62, on Thursday night at Carmichael Arena. After back-to-back losses, the Tar Heels struggled early once again, trailing at halftime thanks to shooting 13.3 percent on from 3.
Reese Brantmeier continues to set tone for UNC women's tennis in win over Campbell
Sports UNC junior Reese Brantmeier celebrates with UNC freshman Alanis Hamilton during the women’s tennis match against Stanford in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament at Cary Tennis Park on Friday, April 18, 2025. Jan 13, 2026, 8:32 PM Senior Reese Brantmeier has been setting the tone for North Carolina women’s tennis for the past three years. She played as the No. 1 in singles on an NCAA national championship team as a true first-year.
No. 18 UNC women's basketball beats Charleston Southern, 93-74, in final non-conference game
Sports UNC senior guard Indya Nivar (24) shoots the ball during the women’s basketball game against UNC Wilmington at Carmichael Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. UNC won 84-34. Senior Writer Dec 21, 2025, 7:03 PM The No. 18 UNC women’s basketball team (11-3, 0-1 ACC) overpowered Charleston Southern (2-10, 0-0 Big South), 93-74, on Sunday afternoon in Carmichael Arena.
Season-high rebounding performance leads No. 18 UNC women's basketball past UNCW
Sports UNC senior guard Indya Nivar (24) shoots the ball during the women’s basketball game against UNC Wilmington at Carmichael Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. UNC won 84-34. Dec 19, 2025, 7:22 PM Coming off a close overtime loss against Louisville, the Tar Heels needed to bounce back. That's what they did. In a big way. And it started with rebounding, a part of the game that has eluded North Carolina for much of the season.
No. 18 UNC women's basketball defeats UNCW, 84-34, in Carmichael Arena
Sports UNC senior guard Indya Nivar (24) dribbles the ball during the game against UNC Wilmington at Carmichael Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. Dec 18, 2025, 2:59 AM The No. 18 North Carolina women’s basketball team (10-3, 0-1 ACC) defeated UNC Wilmington (3-6), 84-34, on Wednesday night in Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels struggled to make multiple simple layups in a row early on into the first quarter. North Carolina had 12 missed field goals in the first quarter.
Tar Heel Hockey November Recap
By Caleb Herrera, Sarah Stephens & Emma Mays Tar Heel Hockey wrapped up November with their final games of 2025. With the outdoor clash against the South Carolina Gamecocks behind them, here’s what fans may have missed and what lies ahead for the team in 2026. Greensboro matchup against NC State After a tough 4-1 loss the night before, the North Carolina Tar Heels bounced back to defeat the NC State IcePack 3-2, evening the home-and-home season series.
No. 15 UNC volleyball loses three straight sets and falls, 3-1, to Florida State
Sports Senior Staffer Nov 22, 2025, 1:57 AM On Friday night, the No. 15 North Carolina volleyball team (21-5, 14-3 ACC) fell to the Florida State Seminoles (15-11, 9-8 ACC), 3-1, in a gritty back-and-forth battle at Tully Gymnasium in Tallahassee, Florida. In a match full of long rallies and insurmountable gridlock, the Tar Heels fell behind, losing three straight sets. The first set began with back-and-forth scoring for both teams, with neither taking a significant lead.
No. 1 UNC field hockey defeats No. 8 Duke, 2-1, in overtime to win ACC regular season title
The No. 1 North Carolina (16-1, 7-1 ACC) field hockey team beat No. 8 Duke University (11-6, 4-4 ACC), 2-1, Friday evening at Karen Shelton Stadium. The Blue Devils struck first in a fast-paced opening frame, converting a penalty corner at the nine minute mark when Duke slipped one past UNC graduate goalkeeper Katie Wimmer. Duke held the early stage in pressure, drawing two corners and outshooting North Carolina 2-1 through the first 15 minutes.
Blanca Thomas leads the charge to replace rebounding, post production
Sports Oct 28, 2025, 10:49 PM Seventeen rebounds per game went out the door for UNC women’s basketball. Head coach Courtney Banghart isn’t trying to rewrite basketball math,but the numbers don’t lie. So how does she replace that kind of production? She doesn't — at least not directly. But she can redistribute it — get a little longer, a little tougher, a little smarter. And standing at the middle of that equation is sophomore Blanca Thomas, the 6-foot-5 center.
A reset at the rim: previewing UNC's women's basketball's frontcourt
One of the biggest factors for UNC women's basketball this year will be production in the paint and post defense. After Maria Gakdeng graduated, UNC lost its best scorer down low, creating some uncertainty about scoring. But this season in Carmichael Arena, extra force will be exerted under the rim thanks to two new frontcourt additions and two returners— less of a traditional rotation and more an imposing wall of both strength and length.
UNC field hockey uses first-half scoring goal as motivation in 6-1 win over Richmond
Sports Senior Writer Oct 26, 2025, 6:59 PM Head coach Erin Matson gave her players a quota for the first half: two goals in each of the first and second quarters. The first quarter clock ticked down to four minutes. The Tar Heels were running out of time. First-year forward Reese Anetsberger dribbled up the circle and launched a turnaround pass. Senior forward Dani Mendez punched it in. One.
No. 1 UNC field hockey cruises past Richmond, 6-1, to stay undefeated at home
The No. 1 North Carolina (15-1, 6-1 ACC) field hockey team defeated Richmond (9-7, 4-1 Atlantic 10), 6-1, Friday evening at Karen Shelton Stadium. In the first quarter, UNC tried to turn a penalty corner into a goal within the first minute, but the shot by junior forward Charly Bruder went wide. The Tar Heels continued with another penalty corner at the eight minute mark, but Richmond was quick to block the shot.
No. 23 UNC women's soccer rolls past SMU, 3-0, in bounce-back game
The No. 23 North Carolina women’s soccer team (10-5, 4-3 ACC) defeated SMU (8-6-2, 2-4-2 ACC), 3-0, on Friday evening at Washburne Soccer Stadium. UNC secured their first shutout win of conference play coming fresh off a loss to their rivals, the Duke Blue Devils. The Tar Heels met the Mustangs for the first time since 2006, extending their career record to 11-0 against SMU. The first half started off with a back-and-forth possession.
No. 23 UNC volleyball sweeps Clemson, 3-0, for sixth straight win
The No. 23 North Carolina volleyball team (12-2, 5-0 ACC) handled Clemson (12-5, 0-5 ACC) in straight sets, 3-0, on Friday evening at Jervey Gym. Junior outside hitter Safi Hampton continued her dominant run, tallying 17 kills. The Tar Heels earned their sixth consecutive win as the Tigers dropped their fifth in a row, all against conference opponents.
No. 25 UNC volleyball completes season sweep of Duke, 3-0
The No. 25 North Carolina volleyball team (11-2, 4-0 ACC) swept Duke (4-11, 1-3 ACC), 3-0, on Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Following another sweeping win over the Blue Devils on Wednesday, the Tar Heels were on the scoreboard early in the first set after a combination of an attack error, a kill delivered by junior outside hitter Safi Hampton and a service ace. This gave UNC a 3-0 lead that grew quickly, but Duke followed closely behind.
No. 25 UNC volleyball completes season sweep of Duke, 3-0
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 25 North Carolina volleyball team (11-2, 4-0 ACC) swept Duke (4-11, 1-3 ACC), 3-0, on Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Following another sweeping win over the Blue Devils on Wednesday, the Tar Heels were on the scoreboard early in the first set after a combination of an attack error, a kill delivered by junior outside hitter Safi Hampton and a service ace.
No. 25 UNC volleyball sweeps Duke, 3-0, in first of two games
The No. 25 UNC volleyball team (10-2, 3-0 ACC) dominated its tobacco road rival Duke (4-10, 1-2 ACC), 3-0, on Wednesday night in Carmichael Arena to kick off its rivalry week. The Tar Heels started off strong with a quick kill from junior outside hitter Safi Hampton. The Blue Devils responded, matching North Carolina’s energy, staying neck and neck with UNC throughout the first set.
No. 25 UNC volleyball sweeps No. 11 Florida, 3-0, for first top-25 win of season
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 25 North Carolina volleyball team (5-0) swept No. 11 Florida (4-2), 3-0, on Tuesday night in Carmichael Arena to remain undefeated. The Tar Heels started off strong in the first set, with two quick kills by junior outside hitter Safi Hampton. The Gators also started out just as strong, matching North Carolina’s energy with a kill nearly each time.
No. 16 UNC baseball blasts past Wake Forest, 11-1, in game one
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Friday, April 11, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 16 North Carolina baseball team (26-8, 9-7 ACC) defeated Wake Forest (24-11, 9-7 ACC), 11-1, on Friday evening at Boshamer Stadium.
No. 5 UNC baseball cruises by N.C. A&T, 13-4, in second midweek game
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 5 North Carolina baseball team (9-0) conquered N.C. A&T (2-4), 13-4, on Wednesday evening at Boshamer Stadium. Even though they survived to remain undefeated, the Tar Heels did not advance with speed in the opening innings. Graduate infielder Hunter Stokely, who has heavily assisted UNC to come out on top so far this season, was missing hot hits.
Forward Drew Smith emerges as key player for UNC men's ice hockey
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue RALEIGH — Although he's barely settled into life on the UNC men's ice hockey team, first-year forward Drew Smith found himself playing in one of the team's biggest games of the season. With six minutes left in the second period, Smith stood at the blue line. He received the puck from senior forward Zach Mangel and fired. The puck found the back of the net.
UNC women's basketball channels toughness to defeat No. 19 California
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Friday, Jan. 31, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue Play tougher. Leading up to UNC's top-20 matchup against California, head coach Courtney Banghart gave her team the simple call-to-action. The Tar Heels didn't play tough enough against Florida State last Sunday, and it cost them in the dwindling seconds. FSU's Ta'Niya Latson drove to the basket and knocked down a buzzer beater to end UNC's five-game winning streak.
Lachlan McNeil and Josh Ogunsanya lead UNC wrestling to ninth-straight win against Duke
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue DURHAM — Lachlan McNeil took Duke's Eli Murray to the mat. With 41 seconds to go in the first period, the redshirt junior looked to boost UNC's 9-0 lead. But the Duke wrestler avoided the pin by mere millimeters for nearly 30 seconds as McNeil fought for leverage to pin his right shoulder to the floor. McNeil held his arm by Murray's head and finally pinned him down. North Carolina soared ahead 15-0.
No. 12 UNC men's basketball falls to Michigan State, 94-91, in overtime of Maui Invitational's third place game
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 12 UNC men’s basketball team (4-3) fell, 94-91, to Michigan State (6-2) on Wednesday night in overtime of the third place game of the Maui Invitational. UNC kept up with its first half trend of trailing behind by double digits followed by impressive second half comebacks — culminating into forcing overtime — but the Tar Heels could not shut down Michigan State’s established scoring position.
No. 16 UNC women's basketball dominates Indiana, 69-39, to win the Battle 4 Atlantis
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 16 North Carolina women’s basketball team (5-1) took home the championship trophy in the Battle 4 Atlantis after defeating Indiana (4-2), 69-39, in Paradise Island, Bahamas. With junior guards Trayanna Crisp and Indya Nivar being the lead scorers of the game, North Carolina disrupted the Indiana's offense.
UNC volleyball defeats Cal, 3-1, on Friday night in Carmichael Arena
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue On Friday night, the North Carolina volleyball team (19-6, ACC 11-5) defeated the California Golden Bears(12-17, 4-13), 3-1, at Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels scored early in the first set, upon first serve by sophomore setter Zoe Behrendt landing an easy ace. UNC started off moving slow on the court, leaving room for Cal to capitalize on any gaps.
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