The No. 1 UNC men’s lacrosse team (7-0, 1-0 ACC) defeated the No. 8 Virginia Cavaliers (5-2, 0-2 ACC), 16-13, in front of a small-but-lively crowd during the team's ACC season-opener on Thursday night.
What happened?
From the beginning, the teams were engaged in a fast-paced shootout, with a combined 58 shots resulting in 15 combined goals in the first half alone. The Tar Heels jumped out to an early lead, scoring three goals within the first five minutes of playing time, eventually going into the second half leading 11-4.
The Cavaliers started off the second half strong by rattling off four goals in the third period, swinging the momentum in their favor and narrowing UNC's lead down to within five goals.
An intense final period saw the teams trade a couple of goals each, before the Tar Heel defense was able to hold on and close out the game.
Despite the eventual loss, UVA won nearly two-thirds of all face-offs and took more shots on goal than the Tar Heels. The UNC defense played a huge role in the eventual victory, contesting nearly all shots and allowing just one goal while down a man.
Who stood out?
First-year goalkeeper Collin Krieg led the defensive effort with 20 saves — a career high — in his first ACC game. Junior defenseman Will Bowen, who leads the NCAA in total forced turnovers, also made a significant defensive contribution.
On the other side of the field, senior attackman Chris Gray, the reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Week, teamed up with junior attackman Nicky Solomon for a combined seven goals, 14 shots and four assists.
