No. 9 UNC men's lacrosse spreads the wealth in 17-10 win over Lafayette

Opening in its temporary home of Kenan Memorial Stadium, the No. 9 North Carolina men’s lacrosse team began the 2018 campaign with an assertive 17-10 win over Lafayette on Saturday afternoon, securing the program’s 20th straight season-opening win.

In comparison to most years, UNC (1-0) had quite the peculiar 2017 season. Although starting as defending national champions, the Tar Heels dealt with several ups and downs on their way to a strangely mediocre first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament.

After losing 10 seniors from the season prior, many question marks surrounded this year’s squad. Still, the current senior class has already established strong morale among its teammates.

“The veterans have really stepped up,” junior attackman Timmy Kelly said after his hat trick performance against the Leopards. “It’s really been positive for us. People like Kyle Mathie, Chris Cloutier, Joe Kenna, Will McBride have really just come in and fulfilled everything we have wanted and more."

Team captain Cloutier, who had his 21st straight game of scoring at least one goal on Saturday, agreed with Kelly's sentiment.

“We have five captains, but our whole senior class is seen as captains," the senior attackman said. "Everyone leads.”

UNC took early control of this contest, scoring the first three goals and never looking back. Swift ball movement in the offensive third was a major catalyst for the Tar Heels, leading to numerous efficient scoring chances, as 27 of UNC’s 38 shot attempts were on frame. 

Playing the game with a controlling, fast-paced tempo has been a strict focus for the team this past week. During the scrimmages, the coaching staff even implemented a five-second drill, which forces players to pass the ball in the short-given time period.

“We try to continue to stress to these guys to be selfless in our approach,” North Carolina head coach Joe Breschi said. “We have six dynamic guys on the field at once, and I think they can create opportunities against teams by breaking the defense down. If we are selfless and move that ball, we can put up some points."

This extra ball movement ultimately resulted in a balanced attack from the Tar Heels, as 10 separate players finished with scoring at least one goal.

“I think this year we are really harping on that,” Kelly said. “It's a team sport, not an individual, so moving the ball is crucial.”

While last year’s disappointing conclusion to the season is still in the back of the minds of the players, UNC is just taking it one game at a time.

“We are going to come in with a lot more positivity, and not dwell on the past," Cloutier said. "We’re in the present, and we’re just moving forward."

@keberly1996

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