Story Links
NCAA Tournament First Rounds
November 15, 2024 | 6:00 pm
Excitement builds as USC Upstate prepares to face off against #8 North Carolina in a much-anticipated NCAA Tournament match-up.
Live Stream | Live Stats
For ticketing information click here.
How They Stack Up
USC Upstate boasts a commendable record of 10 wins, 4 losses, and 4 draws, with an impressive 5-1-2 record in the Big South Conference. In contrast, North Carolina comes in with a strong 16-5-0 record, including a 7-3-0 showing in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference.
This match marks the inaugural meeting between USC Upstate and North Carolina, with Upstate making their historic first appearance in the NCAA Tournament, while UNC extends its remarkable streak with a 43rd consecutive tournament appearance.
Players to Watch
USC Upstate has made history by clinching both the Big South Regular Season title and the Tournament title for the first time ever. Leading the Spartans’ offensive charge is standout player Dara Russo, who has netted nine goals and provides five assists, accumulating an impressive 23 points. Additionally, Nya Baccelli, with her eight goals, has been instrumental, putting 26 shots on target. Paige Armstrong contributes to the team’s scoring with six goals and four assists. The Spartans’ defense is robust, led by the formidable Catarina Dantas, while goalkeeper Meghan Groah stands tall with 43 crucial saves this season.
For the Tar Heels, Kate Faasse shines as the leading scorer, having tallied an impressive 16 goals so far. Bella Sember follows with seven goals and three assists, showcasing her talent with a total of 60 shots this season. Olivia Thomas supplements the offense with five goals and two assists. In goal, Clare Gagne has recorded 57 saves, proving to be a significant asset for UNC.
UP Next for the Spartans
Should the Spartans triumph in this crucial match, they will advance to the second round, where they will encounter the winner of the clash between Santa Clara and BYU.
Connect with the Spartans
For updates, follow the Spartans on Facebook at Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics and on Twitter at @UpstateWSoccer and @UpstateSpartans. You can also connect with them on Instagram at @UpstateWSoccer and @UpstateSpartans, and watch their highlights on YouTube at YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans.
INVEST IN CHAMPIONS – Support the future of USC Upstate athletics by joining the Upstate Athletic Fund (UAF), where you can enjoy enhanced benefits for your contributions. Make a difference today by donating, click here!
How does Coach Johnson view the impact of team chemistry and morale on performance in high-stakes games like the NCAA Tournament?
**Interview with Coach Mark Johnson of USC Upstate Ahead of the NCAA Tournament Matchup Against North Carolina**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Johnson. Excitement is building as your team prepares to face North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. How are you feeling ahead of this historic match-up?
**Coach Johnson:** Thank you for having me! The excitement in our locker room is palpable. This is a monumental moment for our program as it’s our first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The team has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we’re eager to show what USC Upstate is capable of.
**Editor:** It’s a remarkable achievement for your school. Can you talk a bit about how the team has prepared for North Carolina, particularly given their impressive tournament history?
**Coach Johnson:** Absolutely. We’ve focused on our strengths while also analyzing North Carolina’s play style. They’re a seasoned team with a rich history in the tournament, but we believe in our players. Our preparation has included tactical training and mental conditioning to ensure we’re ready for the challenge.
**Editor:** Speaking of players, Dara Russo has had a standout season. How crucial will her performance be in this game?
**Coach Johnson:** Dara has been exceptional all season. Her ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for her teammates makes her a key player for us. However, while Rao’s contributions are significant, we’ll need everyone to step up. It’s a team effort, and we have several players who can create an impact on the field.
**Editor:** Your defense has also been very impressive this season. Can you tell us about the role of Catarina Dantas and goalkeeper Meghan Groah in the upcoming match?
**Coach Johnson:** Catarina is a vital part of our defense, and her leadership on the field is invaluable. She’s been a rock for us all season. As for Meghan, her presence in goal gives us additional confidence, especially against a team like North Carolina that will test our defense. Together, they have the potential to neutralize our opponent’s attacks.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you have for your fans and supporters ahead of the game?
**Coach Johnson:** We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received this season. We hope to bring home a strong performance that they can be proud of. Regardless of the outcome, we’re honored to represent USC Upstate on this stage, and we’ll give it our all. Go Spartans!
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Johnson. Best of luck to you and the Spartans in the tournament!
**Coach Johnson:** Thank you! We appreciate it!
