The women’s soccer team fell to top-ranked North Carolina Sunday by a score of 3-0 in Annapolis, Md., as Villanova dropped to 9-2, while the Tarheels improved to a perfect 11-0.

The Tarheels tested the ‘Cats defense right from the start, as UNC’s first goal was scored early at 9:07. Tarheel midfielder Maggie Tomecka headed the ball off a corner kick by midfielder Anne Felts, giving UNC the early 1-0 advantage. The duo struck again at 17:34 off another corner kick, nudging the score to 2-0.

“We played intimidated the first half,” head coach Ann Clifton said. “We dug ourselves a bit of a hole early, but the second half was a telltale sign of how we can compete against any team in the nation.”

The ‘Cats found their rhythm in the second half of play. Posting five quality scoring opportunities, the offense was back after being out-shot 10-0 in the first half. Despite the chances, the ‘Cats were unable to capitalize on their high intensity during the second half of play. The Tarheels were able to add an insurance goal at 73:02 when junior forward Anne Morrell fired in a shot to the upper left corner off a corner kick by junior midfielder Anne Felts.

Despite the loss, “We realized that we can play with any team in the nation on any given day,” senior captain Chrissy Dolan said. “It was a great opportunity to play against a No. 1 team, and overall it was a great learning experience.”

The ‘Cats came out on top earlier in the week when they battled Colgate University on Sept. 26. Sophomore Lindsey Finnegan scored the game-winner in the 1-0 blanking of the Raiders while Dolan earned her seventh shutout of the season.

Finnegan struck early in the contest, just 16:44 into the game, to gain the 1-0 advantage. “I received a great pass from Laura Johnson coming from the left side of the 18 yard box. I was able to get a touch on it and get a shot off,” she said.

“We came out strong against Colgate, very intense. That’s why we got our goal about halfway into the first half.”

The Villanova defense dominated the rest of the game. Dolan stopped a game-high six shots in the contest while senior All-American Michelle Biehl led the rest of the Wildcat defense, holding the Raiders to just six shots on net.

The Wildcats will get back into action today when they travel to Washington D.C., to take on the Georgetown Hoyas at 2 p.m.