No. 4 overall seed Saint Joseph’s delivered a stunning upset against the top-seeded Tar Heels of North Carolina, breaking their impressive 27-game winning streak and dashing their aspirations for a third consecutive national championship on Friday. The match, held in Ann Arbor, MI, concluded with a close score of 2-1 in favor of the Hawks.
Despite being dominated with a staggering 6-0 deficit in shots during the first quarter, the Hawks found the back of the net first midway through the second quarter, showcasing their resilience. They took a hard-fought 1-0 lead into halftime and extended their advantage early in the third quarter, marking the first time this season that UNC found themselves trailing.
In a valiant effort to claw back into the game, Charly Bruder ignited hope for the Tar Heels in the dying seconds of the third quarter, scoring from a penalty corner to narrow the margin to 2-1. The fourth quarter witnessed an all-out offensive onslaught from Carolina, who unleashed six shots towards the Hawk goal and earned three penalty corners, yet they were thwarted at every turn by the stellar performance of Saint Joseph’s goalkeeper Marith Bijkerk, who recorded an impressive nine saves.
The loss marks a significant turning point for UNC, as it represents their first defeat in NCAA Tournament play since the 2021 season. It also ends their streak of five consecutive victories in the national semifinal round, leaving them with a final season record of 20-1. Meanwhile, Saint Joseph’s will look to continue their momentum as they prepare to face the winner of the No. 2 Northwestern and unseeded UMass matchup in the championship game scheduled for Sunday.
Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati
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What strategies does your team plan to implement in the upcoming championship game based on your performance in the upset victory?
**Interview with Marith Bijkerk, Goalkeeper for Saint Joseph’s Hawks**
*Host:* Welcome, everyone, to our special sports segment! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Marith Bijkerk, the outstanding goalkeeper for the Saint Joseph’s Hawks, who just pulled off an incredible upset against the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels in the NCAA Tournament. Marith, congratulations on the win!
*Marith Bijkerk:* Thank you! It feels amazing to be part of such a historic moment for our team.
*Host:* Let’s dive into the match. The first quarter saw your team facing a 6-0 shot deficit. What was going through your mind during that time?
*Marith:* It was definitely a challenging start for us. We knew that UNC was a strong team, and they were bringing the pressure. But as a team, we focused on staying composed. I kept reminding myself and my teammates that it’s a long game and anything can happen.
*Host:* You took the lead in the second quarter despite being outplayed initially. How did that goal change the momentum for your team?
*Marith:* That goal was a huge boost for our confidence. It proved that we could compete with them, and it turned the tide. After that, we played with more belief, and it helped us push forward.
*Host:* In the final moments of the match, UNC scored to narrow the gap to 2-1. With that intense pressure from the Tar Heels, what was going through your mind?
*Marith:* I was feeling the weight of the moment, for sure. But I also knew I had to stay focused. Our team had worked so hard to get that lead, and I just tried to do everything I could to keep that lead intact. Thankfully, my teammates were also playing their part in defense.
*Host:* You made an impressive nine saves throughout the game. How did you prepare for such a high-stakes match?
*Marith:* A lot of preparation goes into every game, including studying the opposing team’s shots and tendencies. But at the end of the day, it comes down to trusting my instincts and being ready for anything. I also relied on the support of my teammates, which made a huge difference.
*Host:* Looking ahead, you have a championship game coming up. What does this win mean for your team as you prepare for that match?
*Marith:* This win has given us a massive boost of energy and confidence. We’ve proven we can beat the top teams, so we’re excited to carry this momentum into the next game. Our focus will be on doing what we do best and supporting each other as a team.
*Host:* Thank you, Marith, for joining us today and sharing your insights. Good luck in the championship!
*Marith:* Thank you! We appreciate all the support!
*Host:* And to our viewers, stay tuned for more coverage as Saint Joseph’s Hawks aim for the championship.
