No. 2 UNC women's lacrosse reaches the mountaintop in 16-15 win over No. 1 Boston College

In a battle of nation’s top ranked teams, the No. 2 North Carolina women’s lacrosse team (9-0, 3-0 ACC) knocked off the No. 1 Boston College Eagles (8-1, 2-1 ACC), 16-15, at Alumni Stadium. 

What happened?

The Eagles broke open the game when senior attacker Caitlynn Mossman found the back of the net giving the home team a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Boston College increased its advantage when graduate attacker Charlotte North’s free-position shot kissed iron, and sunk into the top corner of the cage. 

In need of an answer, North Carolina turned to Olivia Dirks. The junior midfielder weaved through the heart of the Eagles defense, and zipped a shot into the back of the cage. 

Two minutes later, the Tar Heels scored the equalizer after grad transfer midfielder Andie Aldave's point-blank shot knotted up the match at two.

After both teams traded goals, Boston College attacker Mckenna Davis capitalized on an open crease, giving the Eagles a 4-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The proceeding quarter was a different story for UNC.

Graduate attacker Jamie Ortega’s eight-meter attempt tied the game when her shot bounced over the outstretched stick of the Eagle’s goalie. The tying goal gave the four-time All-America the all-time ACC lead in points.

Following almost six minutes of scoreless lacrosse, Aldave’s third goal of the game gave UNC its first lead of the game. The Tar Heel lead was extended after a pair of spin-cycle goals by graduate attacker Sam Geiersbach made the score 7-4 heading into halftime.

The Tar Heels’ offensive barrage continued in the second half, as a Dirks side-step juke left her defender in the dust and paved an open path to the goal. The preseason all-American made the Eagles pay, netting her second goal of the game and stretching the UNC lead to five.

The Eagles’ scoring drought was snapped when Mossman’s right-side goal trickled past Tar Heel goalie Taylor Moreno. Her goal sparked Boston College’s attack, as the top-ranked Eagles scored four goals in under three minutes, cutting the Tar Heel lead to 10-8.

But, UNC responded with a run of its own, scoring three unanswered goals capped off by junior midfielder Elizabeth Hillman’s laser that found the top corner of the cage. After another goal, North Carolina held a four-point cushion heading into the final quarter.

Despite a late push from Boston College, two fourth-quarter goals by graduate midfielder Ally Mastroianni helped lead the Tar Heels to a 16-15 win.

Who stood out? 

Aldave’s ability to be in the right place at the right time helped the Tar Heels turn the momentum in the early goings. Her opportunistic cuts helped the graduate transfer from Notre Dame secure a hat-trick in the first half. 

Moreno and the Tar Heel defense also shined, holding the high-powered Boston College offense scoreless for over 21 minutes. The scoring drought helped North Carolina take its first lead of the day, which they never surrendered. 

When was it decided?

Two goals by Mastroianni in the early minutes of the fourth quarter seemed to stretch the Tar Heel lead to an insurmountable amount.

However, a 4-0 run by Boston College sliced the UNC lead to 16-15 with just over a minute remaining in the game. But, the Tar Heels defense stood strong, forcing North to turn the ball over with seconds remaining and securing the upset win.

Why does it matter?

The marquee victory for UNC undoubtedly sits the Tar Heels atop collegiate women’s lacrosse. The victory also avenges a Final Four loss North Carolina suffered to the Eagles last season. 

As conference play ramps up, defeating the reigning national champions should provide the Tar Heels with much needed confidence to compete in an ACC that bolsters seven, top-25 teams. 

When do they play next?

The Tar Heels’ road trip continues as they will travel to take on High Point University on Wednesday, March 23 at 5 p.m.

@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com