O’Reilly leads UNC to another national title

O’Reilly leads UNC
to another national title

Heather O’Reilly

East Brunswick’s Heather O’Reilly may have missed out on playing for the United States in the women’s World Cup due to a broken left leg, but she certainly knows how to put an exclamation point on a recovery.

The freshman forward scored eight goals in the NCAA Tournament, capping it off with two goals and one assist in North Carolina’s 6-0 win over Connecticut in the championship game, held in Cary, N.C., on Sunday. With her two goals and one assist, O’Reilly set a new school record for goals in an NCAA Tournament with eight. The previous record for goals in a tournament was set by Mia Hamm, who had six in three games in 1993.

The win gave the Heels a record 18th national title in 22 years, and also allowed them to become the first women’s team to finish at 27-0. It was the team’s first perfect season since 1993, when Hamm led the Tar Heels to a national title.

The 27 wins also tied a school record for wins (the 1997 team finished 27-0-1).

O’Reilly, 18, had at least one goal in six tournament matches as the Tar Heels outscored opponents 32-0. She was named the tournament’s most valuable offensive player, and was also named to the All-Tournament Team.