UNC Women's Basketball Team Earns Top Seed in NCAA Tournament
The UNC women's basketball team has garnered significant attention as they snapped up a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament's Birmingham Regional. For the first time since 2015, fans will have the opportunity to watch the team play at home in Carmichael Arena during the first two rounds. This announcement not only thrills supporters but also highlights the substantial progress the team has made under the guidance of head coach Courtney Banghart.
The Tar Heels, boasting an impressive 27-7 overall record and a 13-5 finish in the ACC, are set to take on No. 14 seed Oregon State come Saturday, March 22. In Banghart’s six-year tenure, obtaining such a high seed is an unprecedented accomplishment, reflecting the hard work and dedication she has poured into the program.
The Road to Hosting and Beyond
Bringing games back to Carmichael Arena is a testament to the Tar Heels' resilience and strategic gameplay, particularly on the road. The team suffered only one road loss, and that was against their fierce rival, Duke, illustrating their competitive edge away from home. Their remarkable 13-5 record in the ACC stands as the best since the 2012-13 season, underscoring the team's trajectory of success and ambition.
While the team's regular season was full of highlights, it wasn’t without challenges. Significant players Alyssa Ustby and Reniya Kelly were sidelined in February due to injuries. However, the team's spirit remains unwavering as both players are on the mend and look ready to contribute powerfully in the tournament.
Coach Banghart's leadership during the 2022 campaign saw the squad advance to the Sweet 16, marking a notable achievement in her coaching career at UNC. With key players back in the fold and the comfort of home court advantage, the Tar Heels are focused and optimistic about besting previous records and performing beyond expectations. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are eager to see whether this talented team can match, or even exceed, last year’s achievements on the grand stage of the NCAA Tournament.
