HIGHLANDERS DEFEATED BY NO. 13 NORTH CAROLINA, 2-0, IN NCAA FIRST ROUND

BOX SCORE CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Radford put forth a valient effort, which included a career-high 11 saves from Che' Brown, and battled No. 13 North Carolina for the full 90 minutes, but the Tar Heels used two second-half goals to defeat the Highlanders, 2-0, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday evening from Fetzer Field.

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“I am so proud of this team,” commented head coach Ben Sohrabi. “This is arguably one of the best seasons in Radford Athletics' history. We represented the University very well tonight and all Highlanders should be proud of our ladies.”

The defeat also snapped Radford's 17-match unbeaten streak, which was tied for the second-best active streak in the NCAA coming into tonight. The Highlanders last lost on Aug. 26 at ETSU as they went undefeated in the months of September and October.

“I couldn't have asked for a better senior season,” said midfielder Megan Rhodes. “The camaraderie was the best of any team I've been on. I am blessed to be given the opportunity to play at Radford University as well as playing such a high caliber team in North Carolina. It was a once in a lifetime experience.”

Radford and North Carolina went into the break scoreless courtesy of four saves from Brown and a physical Highlander defense as the Tar Heels held a 10-1 advantage in shots and recorded all eight corner kicks.

The physical play of the highly-ranked Highlander defense frustrated the Tar Heels' offense for the entire 90 minutes. Even after UNC finally put a dent in Radford's armor, the Highlanders did not let up and played to the final whistle.

Brown made a couple of routine saves to start the match, but came up big in the 39^th minute. A wide-open Brooke Elby received the ball on a slip across the box, but Brown came out strong and made a huge kick save preventing UNC from tallying a late first-half goal.

After a few more fantastic saves by Brown to start the second half, the Tar Heels finally broke through in the 58^th minute. After Summer Green's initial shot was blocked, Amber Brooks poked home the rebound from in close. The goal snapped an impressive 660:07 scoreless streak by the Highlanders, who last gave up a goal on Oct. 13 at Winthrop.

UNC doubled its lead in the 74^th on a strike from Crystal Dunn. Her low shot skipped off a diving Brown's fingertips and off the inside of the far post.

Junior Rachel Conway charted two shots, one on goal, for the Highlanders.

“I am proud of our seniors and the legacy they left on this program will be missed,” said Sohrabi.

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