Coming off a national championship win in 2016, the North Carolina men’s lacrosse team began the new year by defeating High Point, 11-10, in a scrimmage at Navy Field on Saturday.
What happened?
The Tar Heels came out on fire in the first quarter, scoring four quick goals for a 4-0 lead. Junior Chris Cloutier and redshirt senior Michael Tagliaferri notched the first two goals, while first-year Justin Anderson added the third and senior Tate Jozokos tallied the fourth.
Also in the first, redshirt junior goalie Brian Balkam left the game after a ball went through his face mask and struck him in the eye, causing swelling.
High Point closed the gap to 5-2 in the second quarter, but goals by Cloutier and senior Luke Walsh stretched the lead to 7-2. The third period resembled the first, as UNC added four straight goals to push its advantage to 11-3.
The fourth quarter saw a High Point surge, aided by UNC pulling its starters. High Point outscored the Tar Heels, 6-0, in the final period, coming within a goal of the defending national champions.
Who stood out?
In his first collegiate contest, first-year Justin Anderson showed no rust after two years away for his Mormon mission. The midfielder from Las Vegas scored three goals and showed an ability to pass as well, adding an assist.
Inside Lacrosse ranked Anderson as the No. 2 high school senior in 2013-14. Even with his two years away from the game, Anderson came in at No. 35 in this season’s Inside Lacrosse Power 100, which ranks college first-years.
