University of North Carolina Athletics: The Lacrosse Showdown Against Syracuse
Introduction: Laying the Groundwork for a Thrilling Matchup
As the season draws to a close, excitement is palpable as the eighth-ranked North Carolina men’s lacrosse team (9-3, 2-1 ACC) prepares to face off against the tenth-ranked Syracuse Orange (9-4, 2-1 ACC) this Saturday. This showdown will be held at the iconic JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, and promises to be a riveting conclusion to the regular season.
Gameday Information
Mark Your Calendars:
Date/Time: Saturday, April 26 – 5 PM
Location: JMA Wireless Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Watch Live: ACC Network
Catch the Stats: Live Stats
Opening Faceoff: Anticipation Builds
The Tar Heels are set to wrap up their regular season on the road, facing a formidable Syracuse team. This matchup marks the 33rd meeting between these storied programs, with Carolina currently riding a two-game winning streak in Syracuse. Last weekend, the Tar Heels faced a setback against Notre Dame, losing 12-6 on Senior Day at Dorrance Field—a game that has certainly heightened their desire for redemption.
What’s at Stake: Championship Aspirations
A Win to Remember
A victory this weekend has monumental implications:
- It would allow Carolina to claim a share of the ACC regular season title, marking the 14th championship in program history and the first since 2023.
- The Tar Heels are poised for the 8 PM semifinal of the 2025 ACC Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Charlotte, securing their spot as a top contender.
The Importance of the Matchup
A win over Syracuse would:
- Signify Carolina’s 13th victory against the Orange.
- Extend the Tar Heels’ road winning streak in this rivalry to three games.
- Count as Coach Joe Breschi’s 261st career victory, with 169 of those wins coming while leading the Tar Heels.
Gettin’ Defensive: Locking Down the Opponent
Carolina’s defensive prowess cannot be overstated. Over the past two seasons, the team has gone an impressive 14-0 when allowing nine or fewer goals. Under Coach Joe Breschi, the team boasts an astounding 105-13 record when holding opponents to single-digit goals. This strong foundation of defense is crucial as they approach their critical matchup with Syracuse.
Dynamic Duo at Attack: Scoring Power
The offensive firepower of the Tar Heels will center around the dynamic duo of Owen Duffy and Dominic Pietramala. Together, they have produced a staggering 67 goals and 22 assists this season.
- Owen Duffy: 30 goals, 20 assists
- Dominic Pietramala: 37 goals, 2 assists
This pair currently ranks third in the ACC in points per game among each team’s top two scorers and has both been recognized as Tewaaraton Award nominees.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As kickoff approaches, the tension and excitement surrounding this crucial matchup against Syracuse continue to build. Can the Tar Heels rise to the occasion and secure their place in lacrosse history? With stakes high and a compelling narrative, this game is one not to be missed. Join the excitement and watch the Southern powerhouse take on their rivals!
For more information about the University of North Carolina Athletics, feel free to explore GoHeels.
