W. Lacrosse: UNC ready for rematch with Terrapins

Amber Falcone wanted — heck expected — to be playing in Maryland again. After a second-half collapse in April against Maryland the All-American defender — along with the rest of the North Carolina team — was looking for redemption.

They thought they'd make amends by fulfilling their season-long goal: qualifying for the women's lacrosse Final Four. And as this year's site is the University of Towson — located in Maryland — they knew they could be making a return trip north.

What they didn't know was that they'd be playing the Terrapins again. Yes Falcone knew it was a possibility. As the No. 3 seed UNC would be expected to play No. 2 Maryland once more. But that would only occur if the tournament played out according to plan — which rarely if ever occurs.

Well" it did.

 ""We didn't really care who we played" but it's great (to play them) Falcone said. Once we knew (after beating Notre Dame)" we were really excited and lucky to have the option of playing Maryland again.""

Friday night" the Tar Heels will get another chance. But based off the previous result it certainly won't be easy.

In that matchup" North Carolina entered on an eight-game winning streak. UNC played the Terps to an even first half — 5-5. Then the next half got under way.

""In the second" we got a little impatient and didn't do a good job taking care of the ball coach Jenny Levy said. If you do that against Maryland" they'll make you pay.""

In the last go around" the Tar Heels turned the ball over 18 times. Eight occurred in the second half — leading in part to the Terrapins stretching their margin to 11-6.

With Maryland sporting prolific scorers in Caitlyn McFadden and Karri Ellen Johnson the Tar Heels have to keep possession to minimize the pair's chances.

Johnson a freshman ranks third in the nation in goals with 70. McFadden on the other hand shows up in spot 25.

And last game" each made sure their ranking wasn't perceived as a fluke. Johnson dominated with four goals while McFadden added two.

""I think overall" we played a lot of defense in that last game" Levy said. I wish we had done a better job with our possessions.""

Still" there is certainly room for optimism at UNC's chances.

For starters North Carolina sported one of the nation's hardest schedules. Secondly many people have already plugged in a Maryland-Northwestern championship game.

Both teams are undefeated and known nationally. The Tar Heels meanwhile have slid under the radar and naturally are underdogs.

So now just comes Friday.

UNC got its wish. They're back in Maryland. Heck" they're even playing the Terps.

""There's not much you need to say to the kids" Levy said. They've prepared" they've worked hard and they deserve to be there.""


Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.