Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Record-high temperatures and an absolutely outstanding performance in goal were not enough to slow down No. 3 North Carolina as the Tar Heels defeated West Chester, 3-0, in the final game of the Vonnie Gros Classic on a blazing hot and humid Sunday afternoon.
With the mercury touching 94 degrees and both sides substituting in virtually two-minute shifts, North Carolina (4-2) scored once in the first half and two more times in the second to remain unbeaten in three years at the classic. The loss snapped the Golden Rams' three-game win streak, leaving them at 3-2 on the season.
Rams' goalkeeper Joelle Zarefoss was under attack all day, recording 19 saves with many of the spectacular variety. Her play in the first half kept West Chester in the contest, trailing just 1-0. UNC held the hosts without a shot, holding a 29-0 advantage in that category.
Danielle Forword scored the first of her two tallies on the afternoon in the first half when she banged home a feed from Ilse Davids from eight yards out. Davids then converted a penalty stroke in the second half, before she and Forword hooked up again moments later to put the finishing touches on the contest.
Forword finished with two goals while Davids registered a goal and two assists.
West Chester played almost the entire game in its defensive end, poised not to let the Tar Heels transition game and superior speed burn them. The Rams' best offensive opportunity came within the first five minutes of the contest when a centering pass from the right side could not be finished.
Appalachian State downed Rider, 3-2, in the other match of the day played just before UNC and West Chester.
The Golden Rams are off until Wednesday night when they host the Broncs at South Campus' Turf Field.
