Stanford field hockey’s inspired run to the NCAA Tournament ended after a 4-0 loss to No. 1 North Carolina on Saturday. The Tar Heels took a four-goal lead in the first half and never looked back against the Cardinal, ending Stanford best season in years.

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Stanford’s NCAA Tournament run fell short in the first round after they lost to No. 1 and undefeated North Carolina on Saturday, 4-0. Despite the season-ending loss, it was a year to remember for the Cardinal as they went 13-8 and took home the NorPac Tournament championship crown. #gallery http://daily.stanford.edu/image/full/8184
Agustin Ramirez

Stanford’s NCAA Tournament run fell short in the first round after they lost to No. 1 and undefeated North Carolina on Saturday, 4-0. Despite the season-ending loss, it was a year to remember for the Cardinal as they went 13-8 and took home the NorPac Tournament championship crown.

The Cardinal advanced to the NCAA Tournament after winning both the NorPac Tournament title (in 3-1 win over archrival California) and a play-in game against Northeast Conference Champion, Lock Haven (which Stanford pulled out, 1-0). The team had a year to remember under fifth-year head coach Lesley Irvine, going 13-8 overall and 5-1 in conference. The win total of 13 was the second-most that the program has won in school history.

Stanford came into the match against North Carolina with high hopes, citing a “nothing to lose” attitude coupled with the team’s hot play as of late. However, the Tar Heels crushed the Cardinal’s hopes early and often, outshooting Stanford 23-4 and scoring three goals before the game’s first 20 minutes.

“I was really proud of the way our team played, particularly in the second half,” Irvine told GoStanford.com. “I think we showed a tremendous amount of heart and determination. Our team is very, very young and we are excited for the future of this program. Qualifying for the NCAA Tournament is a great achievement to build on.”

As the sentiments of coach Irvine express, the Cardinal, as a whole, was pleased with its season and look to build on all the players have gained this year. The team loses only two seniors from this year’s squad — forward Jess Zutz and goalkeeper Madison Bell — and will have a plethora of experience to move forward with.

And, as Zutz explained in an interview before Saturday’s loss to North Carolina, “regardless of what happens on Saturday, I couldn’t have ever imagined a better way for my career to end.”