The UNC women’s lacrosse team hosted Elon in an exhibition game at the Bill Koman Practice Complex on Saturday afternoon.
Although no official score was kept, it was clear after the Tar Heels scored within the opening 35 seconds that they were in control. Clocking in at No. 4 in USA Lacrosse’s preseason rankings, UNC's roster is reloaded and hungry following the team's first round exit in last season's NCAA tournament.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the first look at the 2025 team:
The offense is dangerous behind the net
Graduate attacker Ashley Humphrey excelled on Saturday afternoon, and it’s due to her presence behind the goal. In the second quarter alone, Humphrey netted three goals all generated from the same position.
Drawing the defender's eyes away from the front of the net, the UNC attackers cut hard toward the crease for point-blank finishes. On a free position play, redshirt sophomore midfielder Kaleigh Harden cashed in after a give-and-go with Humphrey stationed behind the net. The graduate attacker fooled the defense with a wrap-around goal, as well as a flash toward the front doorstep on a free position, leading to an easy goal.
The passing attack from the North Carolina offense was on full display against Elon. Unselfish play led to the extra pass for open finishes, and the Tar Heels kept their foot on the gas.
The defense is active
It was clear that the presence of redshirt junior defender Brooklyn Walker-Welch was missed last season after suffering an injury that kept her out for the year.