CHAPEL HILL, NC – Siena Women's Soccer battled reigning National Champion and top-ranked North Carolina to a one-goal score through the first 63 minutes on a sweltering 90-degree summer Sunday at Dorrance Field. The Tar Heels kicked into another gear late to finish a 5-0 final.
 
North Carolina (1-1) out-shot Siena (1-1) 34-1, but Cate Burns and the back line held strong deep into the afternoon. Burns made a career-high 10 saves while playing the first 80 minutes for the Saints, who were facing just the program's third nationally ranked opponent in 46 seasons, and first in a decade.
 
Bella Gaetino staked the Tar Heels to a quick 1-0 lead just 4:26 in, but a yeomanlike defensive effort by Siena kept the No. 1 team in the nation off the scoreboard for the next 59 minutes. However, North Carolina finally broke through down the stretch – tacking on four insurance tallies in less than 20 minutes – to pull away late.
 
Lily Farrell registered the lone official shot for the Saints – a rocket from 25 yards out in the 71^st minute – which reserve keeper Abby Gundry just punched over the crossbar at the last moment, yielding the only Siena corner of the afternoon.
 
The Saints return to the Capital Region to continue a season-opening stretch where they play four of their first five at home when they host Holy Cross Thursday at 5 p.m. at Hickey Field.