Devey Records Brace As Women’s Soccer Downs Virginia, 3-1

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – No. 1 Carolina women's soccer downed No. 16 Virginia, 4-2, Friday night in Charlottesville, Va. Bella Devey led the Tar Heels with her third brace of the season, lifting the team to its third ACC win.

Carolina took control early. In the ninth minute, Lilliah Blum dribbled up midfield before dishing the ball to Bella Devey inside the 18-yard box. The forward beat her defender to finish and score the first goal of the night.

Less than 30 seconds later, Devey netted the second goal of the match. Bella Gaetino played a long ball, finding Devey sprinting full speed ahead. Once again, the forward quickly finished the ball to secure her third brace of the season.

The offensive flurry for the Tar Heels continued just two minutes later. After a handball was called on Virginia, Carolina was awarded a penalty kick. Summer Denigan stepped up to take the PK. The midfielder buried the shot in the top right of the goal, marking her fifth PK of the season.

The Cavaliers tried to gain momentum on the offensive end, but Carolina goalkeeper Hannah Johann stepped up to record two early saves, keeping the Virginia attackers at bay.

The Tar Heels continued to play aggressively on the offensive end, taking eight shots and five corner kicks during the first half. They headed into the break with a 3-0 lead.

Virginia challenged the Carolina backline in the second half. Just 11 minutes into the second, the Cavaliers capitalized on a UNC handball to score off a PK. The goal brought Virginia within two goals.

The Cavaliers continued to push the pace offensively, taking seven shots in the second half compared to the three by the Tar Heels. The Carolina defense weathered the storm to secure the 3-1 victory on the road.

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