North Carolina Men’s Lacrosse Triumphs Over Virginia in Thrilling ACC Opener
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The excitement was palpable as the eighth-ranked North Carolina men’s lacrosse team (8-2, 1-0) stormed to a commanding 18-9 victory over Virginia (5-6, 0-2 ACC) in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener. This stunning performance not only showcased the Tar Heels’ depth but also marked a significant milestone for the team on home turf.
How It Unfolded: A Game of Momentum
Fast Start for the Tar Heels
The Tar Heels wasted no time making their presence felt, racing to a 4-0 lead with just over five minutes to go in the first quarter. It was a dynamic offensive display fueled by standout players such as Caden Harshbarger, Owen Duffy, and Dominic Pietramala, whose early goals electrified the crowd. However, the Cavaliers tightened the scoreline, ending the first quarter at a close 4-3.
Surging Ahead
In the second quarter, UNC continued to apply pressure, outscoring Virginia 6-4 and extending their lead to 10-7 at halftime. The team’s strategic passing and relentless attack kept the Cavaliers on their toes.
Defensive Dominance
The third quarter saw more of the same as Spencer Wirtheim, Mason Szewczyk, James Matan, and Duffy each contributed goals, pushing the Tar Heels’ lead to 14-9. But it was the fourth quarter that truly showcased Carolina’s defensive prowess, as they scored all four goals to clinch the contest decisively with an 18-9 final score.
Standout Performances: Who Shone Bright?
Pietramala and Duffy Lead the Charge
Dominic Pietramala notched four goals, while Owen Duffy tallied three goals and provided two assists, leading an offensive charge that baffled Virginia’s defense.
Team Effort
Remarkably, nine different Tar Heels found the back of the net, with both Wirtheim and Szewczyk contributing two goals each. The team’s success in the faceoff battle, led by Brady Wambach (18-27) and Colin Hannigan (1-3), further cemented their dominance on the field.
Ground Balls Galore
Ground ball specialists Ty English and Parker Hoffman each scooped up five or more ground balls, showcasing their relentless hustle and determination. In the net, Michael Gianforcaro made nine crucial saves, effectively stifling Virginia’s attempts to mount a comeback.
Inside The Numbers: Key Takeaways
- This victory marks Carolina’s first win against the Cavaliers in Chapel Hill since 2016.
- With this 18-goal performance, they recorded the highest score in an ACC game since netting 19 against Syracuse in 2023.
- The Tar Heels’ defense was stellar, preventing Virginia from scoring for the last 24:24 of the match.
- Carolina remains undefeated this season at 7-0 and has a remarkable 13-0 record over the last two seasons when allowing nine or fewer goals.
- For the performance-driven senior Ryan Levy, scoring three goals marked a new career-high.
What’s Next for the Tar Heels?
Looking ahead, the Tar Heels will face their first ACC road test at Duke on Saturday, with the opening faceoff set for 4 PM. Catch all the action live on the ACC Network. This matchup promises to be an exhilarating challenge as Carolina aims to maintain their momentum and continue their quest for dominance this season.
Stay tuned for what is sure to be another thrilling chapter in Tar Heels lacrosse!
