CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina's defense held firm Thursday night as the Tar Heels claimed a 1-0 victory over visiting NC State in a tightly contested ACC matchup. Bella Devey's goal in the 30th minute proved to be the difference in a match that saw the home side control possession while the Wolfpack pressed desperately for an equalizer. The win extended North Carolina's winning streak to two games before a crowd at Dorrance Field.
Devey's breakthrough came midway through the first half when she capitalized on a set-up from teammates Bella Gaetino and Kate Faasse. The goal arrived after North Carolina had already tested NC State's defense multiple times, with Faasse forcing several early chances that kept the Wolfpack goalkeeper busy. Despite the early pressure, the Tar Heels' attack had struggled to find the back of the net until Devey's decisive finish gave them the lead they would protect for the remainder of the match.
The first half belonged largely to North Carolina, which dominated the territorial battle and created more dangerous opportunities. Faasse was particularly active in the attacking third, forcing multiple saves and keeping NC State's defense on constant alert. The Wolfpack, meanwhile, managed limited offensive chances, with Mana Nakata firing a shot that hit the woodwork in the 43rd minute—their closest moment of the opening 45 minutes. NC State's inability to generate sustained pressure allowed the Tar Heels to control the tempo and build their advantage.
After the break, NC State emerged with renewed intensity and began testing North Carolina's backline more consistently. The Wolfpack created several corner opportunities and forced their hosts into a more defensive posture. Nakata continued to be NC State's most dangerous attacking threat, firing multiple shots that forced saves from the North Carolina goalkeeper. Despite the improved second-half performance, the visitors couldn't find the crucial breakthrough needed to level the match.
North Carolina's defense, anchored by goalkeeper work and solid positioning, weathered the late pressure. The Tar Heels made tactical adjustments to absorb NC State's attacking waves while maintaining enough shape to threaten on the counter. Faasse remained a constant menace even as the match became increasingly congested, and the home side's experience in close contests showed down the stretch.
Statistically, North Carolina held the advantage in shots on goal with four compared to NC State's one, though the Wolfpack generated five total shot attempts. The visitors earned three corner kicks to North Carolina's one, reflecting their second-half push for an equalizer. Antonella Mazziotto received a yellow card for NC State in the 35th minute for unsporting conduct, the match's only caution.
Devey's composure in front of goal and Faasse's creative play were instrumental in North Carolina's success. The Tar Heels' ability to convert their territorial dominance into a goal—and then defend it—showcased the quality that has made them a tournament contender. For NC State, the loss extended a difficult stretch that has seen the program struggle to find consistent results.
The victory improves North Carolina to 12-6 overall and keeps the Tar Heels in contention for NCAA Tournament positioning as conference play enters its final stretch. The Wolfpack fall to 5-9-4 and face an uphill battle to turn around their season. North Carolina returns to action next week, while NC State looks to snap a three-game losing streak in upcoming fixtures.