UNC senior Lexi Pulley, the 2017-18 Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year at Laramie, got things started for the Golden Bears with a goal in the 10th minute. UNC (2-5-2) added goals in the 17th and 29th minutes.
UW finally got on the board when Jazi Barela scored off an assist from Nikayla Copenhaver at the 75-minute mark.
Goalkeeper Alex Daws had 10 saves for the Cowgirls.
UW opens Mountain West play Sept. 24 at defending conference champ New Mexico.