Before every game, players from the defensive unit hit up the local McDonald’s and then play Fortnite. It's a superstition.
As game time approaches, the players separate to do their own custom. Before UNC takes the field, redshirt first-year goalkeeper Betty Nelson — the anchor of the defense who ranks No. 3 in the nation in save percentage — has to dap up every single person.
“From where she [Nelson] came in, a goalie from Colorado that had really limited training to where she is today, I’m so proud of her,” head coach Jenny Levy said.
Although UNC women's lacrosse is known for its offensive prowess, the talent on the other side of the field has been just as critical to the team's success. North Carolina is ranked No. 3 in saves percentage and No. 1 in scoring defense in the nation. In the ACC championship quarterfinal game against No. 8 seed Virginia Tech on Wednesday, No. 1 seed UNC allowed nine goals and forced 20 turnovers to defeat the Hokies, 19-9.
But after back-to-back goals, Virginia Tech narrowed UNC’s lead down to two with under five minutes remaining in the first quarter.
With momentum on their side, the Hokies went to strike again, but Nelson was quick to save VT attacker Grace New’s shot.
“We go to take a one-versus-one and if we get beat or she has a step on us, we always know we can turn around and Betty’s got it in her stick,” redshirt junior Brooklyn Walker-Welch said. “It’s honestly the best feeling as a defender to have a strong goalie right behind you.”
This shifted the momentum back to North Carolina’s offense, which scored back-to-back goals in a minute. The Tar Heels closed the first quarter out, 6-2.
Nelson has allowed 80 goals this season — the least amount in the NCAA. Against the Hokies, she allowed three goals on two saves before Levy subbed in first-year goalie Lexi Zenk for the second half for some tournament experience.
