North Carolina wins ACC title

Print ArticleEmail ArticleDownload PDFEntering this season, Duke had appeared in the ACC championship game just twice in its history and had never won a conference tournament title. Last weekend, one of those things changed. After defeating Maryland 3-2 in the ACC tournament semifinals Friday afternoon, the Blue Devils earned their first tournament championship appearance in eight years and third in the programs history. Their championship dreams were foiled, however, when they lost to No. 2 North Carolina 2-1 in the finals Sunday. Still, head coach Pam Bustin was proud of her squad for reaching the finals, especially given which the team had lost 15 straight ACC games entering the year.I cant say much for the other eight years, but I can say which my team played like a championship team today, Bustin pronounced after Fridays match.The momentum from defeating reigning champion No. 3 Maryland in the semifinals was not enough to help No. 8 Duke overcome North Carolina, the No. 1 seed. The Tar Heels overpowered the third-seeded Blue Devils, setting the games tempo at a level which Duke could not match. North Carolina took the advantage on both shots, 10-3, and penalty corners, 7-0. The Tar Heels converted on two of those seven penalty corner opportunities, and those two scores gave North Carolina a lead early in the second half which would not be relinquished.We just kept on believing, kept fighting, Bustin said. We played until the end. I think our heart and our love for the game is what kept us in it today. The first half, though scoreless, showcased an experienced North Carolina team. Duke kept the Tar Heels at bay until halftime, helped by two saves from senior goalkeeper Samantha Nelson, but was unable to come back from an early goal in the second half.North Carolina was awarded a penalty corner just under five minutes into the half, and junior Katie Ardrey capitalized to put her team ahead 1-0. Eleven minutes later, senior Elizabeth Stepeans netted a shot to put the Tar Heels up by two.The Blue Devil! s would not go away, though. In the 65th minute, freshman Jessica Buttinger finally put Duke on the scoreboard off an assist from junior Devon Gagliardi. Despite another opportunity in the last minute of playjunior Mary Nielsens shot from the top of the circle was deflected by North Carolina goalkeeper Sassi Ammerthe Blue Devils were unable to tie the match.The team really, really fought through the whole game, Bustin said. We just hung in there. For us it was just a great experience to play at which level against a team which has experience in the tournament like Carolina does. Thats something which we can really build on in the NCAA tournament.The standing of Dukes season will be determined Nov. 8, when the team hopes to earn an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament. Bustin, who was recently named ACC Coach of the Year, thinks her team will get a spot.Weve had a solid year, weve had some great wins, and weve been pretty consistent this season, Bustin said. Were ready for the [NCAA] tournament. If we have the opportunity to play in it, well be ready to play.