Nov. 18, 2007

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The North Carolina field hockey team capped an outstanding season with the perfect ending Sunday afternoon, earning a 3-0 shutout win over Penn State in the 2007 NCAA Championship game at the University of Maryland's Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. The top-ranked Tar Heels finished the year 24-0, becoming the fifth team in Division I history and the second in Carolina history to go undefeated.

"From the first practice in preseason to now, I've had a team that has remained incredibly focused and hardworking," UNC coach Karen Shelton said following Sunday's game. "I couldn't be prouder of the seven seniors that led the way - co-captains Rachel Dawson and Laree Beans, Jesse Gey, Alli Tanner, and our three Chapel Hillians - Xan Funk, Heather Kendell and Liz Morris.

"What we are delighted to do is represent the University of North Carolina. It's just a privilege and an honor. To have the chance to bring distinction to UNC is something that's incredibly special."

The Tar Heels took the lead early on Sunday, getting the gamewinner from freshman Katelyn Falgowski just over three minutes into the action. With 31:50 on the clock, she got the ball from Gey and fired a shot from the right side. "I actually couldn't even see Falgo, but I heard her screaming at me," Gey said. "I knew if I could get a little lift over the last stick, she had acres of space."

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