It is safe to say UVA was not having a good season in 2017, but no one expected to see a running clock midway through the second half in the second round NCAA Tournament game in Chapel Hill on Sunday, May 14th, 2017. The Tar Heels came out on fire with both Carly Reed and Marie McCool scoring five goals in the first half.

It was clear this game was not going to be close when the Cavaliers won the first four draw controls yet we still losing on the scoreboard. The only way to beat a Jenny Levy UNC team is to win draws and score. A lot. UVA was not scoring on Sunday as Caylee Waters have five big saves early in the game that set the tone.

The UNC defense was very stout throughout the entire first half. When they needed a stop, they caused a turnover or a poor angle shot. There were a number of possessions in which UVA couldn’t even get off a shot.

Combine the great UNC defense with a hot Reed and McCool and it leads to a 23-12 victory for UNC. The Tar Heels will play Navy at home next weekend for a chance to play in the Final Four. One of Navy’s assistant coaches is former UNC attacker Aly Messinger who won two NCAA championships while at UNC (2013 & 2016).