Chapel Hill, N.C. – Third-ranked North Carolina jumped out to an early lead and held on to it to remain undefeated after a 16-7 victory over No. 16 University at Albany Friday evening in Chapel Hill. Abby Friend notched four goals on five shots to lead the Tar Heels.

The Tar Heels held the momentum from first draw to final seconds. Taking a 3-0 lead just two minutes into the game, North Carolina held 33-16 shot advantage and possessed 20 of 25 draw controls in the game.

Mel Rorie and Rachael Burek each tallied twice for the Great Danes, while Rachel Bowles, Kathleen Lennon and Amanda Pollock scored one-a-piece in the losing effort.

In addition to Friend's four goals, Kara Cannizzaro clipped a hat trick and one assist for the Tar Heels. Taylor George and Becky Lynch registered two each, while a handful of players contributed to the 16-goal team performance.

Bowles put the Great Danes on the board at 25:06 after three quick goals from the Tar Heels. Kaitlyn Messinger started a five-goal string, bringing the score to 8-1 near the half-way point of the first half. Rorie and Lennon tallied unassisted goals, before another Tar Heel five-goal stretch.

Burek completed scoring of the first half with just four ticks on the clock. Going into halftime, North Carolina held a 13-4 lead with 23 shots on goal and taking 15 of 18 draw controls.

UAlbany (1-1) began scoring in the second half with Rorie's second goal of the contest. The Great Danes held North Carolina's offense to three goals in the second half and ten shots. Burek and Pollock wrapped up the games scoring.

North Carolina (4-0) forced five turnovers on UAlbany and held a 19-11 ground ball advantage.

In goal, Lauren Maksym played 47:41 for the Tar Heels, making four saves for the win, while Britt Giacco finished the game in net. Anna Berman played 60 minutes for the Great Danes and made eight saves.

The Great Danes will continue their road trip with a matinee next Saturday at Marist College.