KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — North Carolina upset third-ranked Tennessee 3-1 on Friday, delivering a stunning blow to the Volunteers' NCAA tournament hopes before 1,721 spectators. The Tar Heels, riding a three-game winning streak, controlled the second half to secure their most significant victory of the season and improve to 13-6 overall.
Kate Faasse opened the scoring for North Carolina in the 29th minute, assisted by Linda Ullmark and Olivia Thomas. The goal gave the visitors an early advantage, but Tennessee responded immediately when Kate Runyon equalized at 26:12 with help from Jenna Stayart and Dakota Brown. The teams remained deadlocked through the remainder of the first half, with neither side able to establish decisive control despite multiple scoring opportunities.
North Carolina broke through again in the 36th minute when Caitlin Mara found the back of the net to restore the Tar Heels' lead. Faasse added her second goal in the 58th minute, assisted by Bella Devey, extending North Carolina's advantage to 3-1 and effectively sealing the outcome. The two-goal cushion proved insurmountable for Tennessee, which struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure throughout the second half.
The Volunteers, who entered the match at 12-4-3, made multiple substitutions attempting to spark their attack but could not overcome North Carolina's defensive organization. Tennessee finished with eight shots on goal compared to North Carolina's four, yet the Tar Heels' efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. North Carolina's goalkeeper made seven saves to secure the victory, while Tennessee's keeper recorded just one.
Faasse's two-goal performance highlighted North Carolina's attacking prowess, with the forward capitalizing on service from her teammates to provide the offensive firepower needed against a ranked opponent. Devey's assist on the clinching goal demonstrated the Tar Heels' ability to create chances through multiple attacking avenues.
Tennessee received yellow cards to Reese Mattern and Sarah Kate Rath for unsporting conduct, reflecting the frustration that mounted as the Volunteers fell behind. The hosts generated corner kick opportunities but failed to convert their set-piece chances into goals. North Carolina matched Tennessee's three corner kicks while maintaining superior efficiency in open play.
North Carolina now plays Texas Tech.