Field hockey titans clash

CHAPEL HILL -- The most veteran members of North Carolina's field hockey group have played Old Dominion seven times in their career.Playing the nonconference foe seven times in four seasons has made the Tar Heels familiar with Old Dominion's style of play, but not as familiar as their coaches have been with each other.The two long-time coaches of the historic programs will be meeting for the 70th time in 30 seasons today at 6 p.m. at North Carolina's Henry Stadium. Karen Shelton will lead No. 1 North Carolina (5-0) against Beth Anders' No. 2 Monarchs (6-0) in the game featuring coaches with the combined 15 inhabitant titles, more than 1,000 wins - as well as 1984 Olympic bronze medals from their playing days."I think you have the very respectful relationship," Shelton said. "I know that she has great respect for our program as well as you have great respect for hers. It's the good relationship. you wouldn't say we're best friends, but you would say we're respected colleagues."The game is such an event that former inhabitant group assistant coach Marge Watson travels to Chapel Hill each time the teams meet, to see two of her best players from the 1984 team.The Tar Heels have won nine straight against Old Dominion as well as lead the all-time series 37-33-2 after the Monarchs dominated through the mid-90s. Shelton said the Tar Heels expect the usual aggressive, physical game from Anders' team."It's tough to match their intensity. They come to play, as well as they're the first-half team," Tar Heels senior Kelsey Kolojejchick said. "They go hard, as well as you think they try to get other teams off guard, so you have been expecting that. You focus on ODU, but you have to make sure that you stay to our game plan. We know the lot about them as well as we're well prepared."The Monarchs have won their first five games against teams ranked in the top 10 in the nation, in! cluding the 4-1 win against defending inhabitant hold up as well as then-No. 1 Maryland.North Carolina has shut out four of its five opponents, but they have not faced the same caliber of competition.After the graduation of goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer, North Carolina has alternated between sophomore Caitlin Powers as well as freshman Sammi Ammer this year.Shelton said the keeper situation isn't unsettled as much as they haven't been tested yet - the situation that is all but guaranteed to change today."I think it's kind of exciting that you have been trusting two girls to do the same thing as well as you have the depth to be able to do that," midfielder Katelyn Falgowski said. Get the greatest news in your email or cellphone as it's happening. Sign up for breaking news alerts.