Northwestern (15-6, 5-1 Big Ten) fought admirably Saturday in Chapel Hill, but ultimately ran into a hot North Carolina team (17-3, 6-1) with a trip to championship weekend on the line.
The second-ranked Tar Heels, which defeated Northwestern 18-13 in Evanston earlier this season, prevailed 19-14, in large part thanks to goalie Taylor Moreno. Moreno tied a career-high with 17 saves, helping UNC to its third final four in four years. Northwestern bested UNC in shots on goal by a margin of 31-24, but Moreno’s excellence proved decisive.
Selena Lasota scored five goals for Northwestern, tying the NCAA record for most goals in the Tournament with 22.