Hey gang, wanted to check in this morning with a quick update on some of the fall sports reaching their climax in the Triangle.
Women’s Soccer
As you all could probably tell, I’ve become pretty obsessed with women’s soccer this year, which I never imagined would be so much fun to watch. In that department, UNC suffered its FIRST EVER LOSS in the ACC tournament last weekend, losing in the quarterfinals to Florida State. That’s a bit of a deceiving word formulation, because UNC has actually lost three times previously on penalty kicks, but still, it’s the first regulation loss for the team that’s won 18 of 21 ACC tournaments. UNC also set a new program low with five losses on the season, and they’ll need an at-large bid to even make the tournament. Strange stuff for one of the best teams in college history.
The Dukies, on the other hand, are in prime form. Ranked third in the country, they’ll face Wake Forest in the ACC semis tomorrow in Cary (I’ll be there at 5:30). Duke won just its second ACC regular season title a week ago, and are vying for their first ACC tournament championship. After that, they’ll attempt to make just the second Final Four in school history, and win the first championship. Their lone ACC loss this year came to Carolina, when they were missing freshman standout Kelly Cobb and conceded the deciding goal with two minutes remaining.
Men’s Soccer
Last night, the 3rd-ranked UNC men won the ACC regular season title with a 2-0 win over Boston College. I’m sorry to report that this means even more points for UNC in the Erwin Cup, which is quickly becoming lopsided.
Duke recovered from a rough beginning to finish third in the conference, and, despite their inconsistency, could be a threat in the ACC tourney.
Field Hockey
As usual, this is a battle between UNC and Maryland. The Tar Heels finished the season 18-1 and won the ACC, and will be ranked number one in the nation going into the tournament. Duke finished third in the ACC, and nearly eked out a draw in their lone match-up with UNC, but it would take a miracle for them to beat Carolina on the tournament stage. The ACCT is this weekend in College Park.
Volleyball
UNC is ranked 29th in the country and second in the ACC, while Duke is 45th nationally and fourth in conference.
Cross Country
The UNC men and women both finished ahead of Duke at the ACC championships on the 29th, earning six Erwin Cup points.
Football
We all know about football, but I thought I’d point out that Duke could erase Carolina’s Erwin Cup lead with a huge win on November 26. Dare to dream.
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I’m looking forward to a Duke/UVA match in the Women’s Soccer ACC Championship game. Hopefuly Duke handles Wake (again) and the ‘Hoos handle FSU (again).
Since the regular season match between Duke and Virginia was a tie and they finished 1-2 in conference (with just one-game separation), it just seems fitting that they’d meet in the championship.
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Tim, agreed. I was at that game, and it was a classic. Cobb hit the crossbar twice on long shots, and UVA had their chances as well. Would be a fitting rematch.