Nivar steps into spotlight as UNC’s defensive stopper, a senior leader

CHARLOTTE — With Lexi Donarski gone, there’s little mystery about who will likely take on the toughest defensive assignments for North Carolina this season. Senior guard Indya Nivar, the Tar Heels’ best returning defensive player, is ready to embrace that challenge, and as one of the team’s veterans, she’ll do it while leading a younger, retooled backcourt.

New faces, familiar ambitions for UNC women after offseason of transition

CHARLOTTE — Most coaches replacing three starters, including a decorated five-year player, face significant challenges. It’s not as if North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart wouldn’t love to have forward Alyssa Ustby, center Maria Gakdeng and guard Lexi Donarski back. But the influx of six talented players, including an incoming recruiting class ESPN ranked No. 5, along with stars returning, could make that transition easier after last season’s Sweet 16 run.

Ustby leads UNC to 3rd upset of a top-10 N.C. State team in 3 years

By R.L. Bynum CHAPEL HILL — When North Carolina sees Wolfpack red, it doesn’t seem to matter what N.C. State … More

Watts just misses triple-double, scores 25 in UNC’s huge victory over Notre Dame

By R.L. Bynum CHAPEL HILL — One game after putting her shooting slump behind her, North Carolina’s Stephanie Watts kicked … More

Watts shakes shooting slump and other positives come out of UNC’s loss at Syracuse

By R.L. Bynum Tar Heels fans knew the dynamic talent that North Carolina got when Stephanie Watts transferred back into … More

Veteran leadership helps UNC rally from an early 21-point deficit to beat High Point by 25

By R.L. Bynum Facing adversity for the first time in three games, North Carolina got a boost from an old … More