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Three takeaways from UNC women's lacrosse's exhibition against Elon

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UNC sophomore midfielder Darcy Felter (11) and UNC graduate attacker Ashley Humphrey (18) celebrate after a goal scored during the UNC women's lacrosse game against Louisville on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Dorrance Field. UNC defeated Louisville 18-12.

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. 

The former First-Team All-American acted as a defensive anchor against the Phoenix, taking command and stabilizing the back line. From calling out defensive matches to knocking out ground balls for turnovers, Walker-Welch was pivotal in holding Elon to just four goals.

Junior defender Ellie Traggio was another standout defender during this exhibition match. Elon’s transition attacks were quickly shot down as Traggio stepped up and held her ground, allowing the transition defense to recover. 

It’s time for Chloe Humphrey to shine

Expectations were high for redshirt first-year attacker Chloe Humphrey — the 2023 No. 1 high school recruit — last year, but a lower body injury made her join the long list of Tar Heels sidelined for all of last season.

But when Humphrey made the start at attack against Elon on Saturday, it was clear that North Carolina had something special on its hands.

She wasted no time, assisting redshirt sophomore attacker Marissa White’s goal on a free position, finishing a feed on the right wing before Elon’s first timeout. She ended the quarter with a transition goal that put an exclamation point on UNC’s dominant first quarter.

Humphrey brought quickness and elite stick control that UNC's offense missed. She played with poise quite impressive for her first game in Carolina Blue. And based on Saturday's performance, it is likely she will be critical in North Carolina's attempts at making it deep in the post-season. 

@dylanstalterr

@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com

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