Attackers Owen Duffy, Dominic Pietramala emerge as leaders in UNC men's lacrosse opener

Sophomore attackman Owen Duffy passed inside to a wide-open Dominic Pietramala with 11 minutes remaining. 

Without missing a beat, the redshirt sophomore attackman whipped the ball into the net right past the goalkeeper's stick. 

The duo pointed to each other. Pietramala mimicked shooting a bow and arrow. UNC had an eight point lead. 

On Saturday afternoon, the No. 16 UNC men's lacrosse team defeated No. 14 Michigan, 15-6, at Dorrance Field. Pietramala and Duffy acted as the spark, recording four goals each. Entering their sophomore campaigns in the 2025 season, Pietramala and Duffy have taken on a new kind of leadership together.

According to head coach Joe Breschi, their ability to mentor the new guys while also leading by example on the field makes them even better assets to the team. 

“They're more mature, they manage the game better and they allow the offense to work,” Breschi said. 

And in the season opener, the offense was working. Eight different Tar Heels scored, with Duffy recording two assists to contribute six points. 

“This kid's the best player in the country, no doubt about it,” Pietramala said. “Having the ability to play by his side is just so fun.”

With less than three minutes left in the first quarter, the Michigan goalkeeper Hunter Taylor jogged to the middle of the field with the ball. Junior attackman James Matan forced the turnover and ran toward the empty net. 

Hooking the ball over his shoulder as he ran past the net, Matan found Duffy ready. Tar Heel goal. 

“As a whole offense, I think we're really just gelling,” Duffy said. “We're spinning the ball right now, and it's really fun to play.”

While Duffy does most of his scoring close to the net, Pietramala's scoring opportunities come from far outside the crease. He said there is one mantra that Breschi repeats, and he lives by it: “Don't aim for a coffee can.” 

Instead of aiming for a specific spot, or a “coffee can,” Pietramala aims for one-third of the net at a time. Doing this lessens the chances of a goalie making a save, widening the margin for a goal. 

Pietramala and Duffy scored the same amount last year, each recording 32 goals. Breschi gave credit to offensive coordinator Jon Thompson, who worked with each of them in the offseason. He said giving specific pointers on how to improve their games and being straightforward with feedback allowed them to grow. 

While it would have been easy to simply lead the team in goals again, the duo has taken the mentoring part of being a veteran seriously. Breschi specifically pointed to first-year midfielder Caden Harshbarger, who brought home UNC's first goal of the season. He learned poise and composure from Pietramala and Duffy. 

Duffy said the team lacked togetherness last season. The Tar Heels ended last year winning only one of their last six games.

But now, the connection is there. A connection led by veteran leaders. 

“There is such a great camaraderie in the locker room, on and off the field,” Breschi said. “This group is special.”

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