Szewczyk’s Late Heroics Lift No. 8 UNC Past Jacksonville in Season Opener
**CHAPEL HILL, N.C. ** - In a game that had all the makings of an early-season thriller, it was Mason Szewczyk who stepped up when it mattered most.
With just 2:26 left on the clock and the score tied at 10, the junior attackman buried the go-ahead goal that ultimately sealed an 11-10 win for No. 8 North Carolina over Jacksonville on Saturday afternoon at Dorrance Field.
The Tar Heels open their 2026 campaign at 1-0, while Jacksonville drops to 0-2. But this one didn’t come easy.
Back-and-Forth Early
From the opening whistle, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. The first quarter saw both teams trading punches, with UNC getting on the board through Brevin Wilson, Luke Macaluso, Leif Hagerup, and James Matan. The Tar Heels held a slim 4-3 edge after 15 minutes.
In the second quarter, things tightened up defensively. Wilson struck again for the only goal of the frame, giving Carolina a 5-3 lead heading into halftime. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective - a grind-it-out kind of quarter that showed the Tar Heels’ ability to control tempo when needed.
Building the Lead, Then Holding On
Carolina came out of the break with renewed energy, outscoring Jacksonville 3-2 in the third. Szewczyk got his first of the day during that stretch, joined by Luke Bair and Ty English on the scoresheet. Heading into the fourth, UNC held an 8-5 cushion and looked poised to pull away.
And for a moment, it looked like they might. The Tar Heels scored two of the first three goals in the final frame, extending their lead to 10-6 with 12:11 to play. But Jacksonville wasn’t done.
The Dolphins stormed back with four unanswered goals, tying the game at 10 apiece with just over three minutes remaining. Momentum had clearly shifted - until Szewczyk took it back.
With the game hanging in the balance, Szewczyk delivered the dagger, notching his second goal of the afternoon and fourth point overall. It was a clutch moment from a player who looked every bit the veteran leader UNC will lean on this season.
Standout Performers
Szewczyk led all players with four points (2 goals, 2 assists), and Wilson turned in a career day with a hat trick - the first of his collegiate career. The sophomore was a consistent spark for the Tar Heels, showing off his finishing ability and nose for the net.
At the faceoff X, Brady Wambach was a difference-maker, winning 12 draws and helping Carolina control possession in key stretches.
And in his college debut, freshman goalie Josh Marcus held his own. The rookie made eight saves and etched his name into the program’s history books as the first Tar Heel freshman to start in goal since Collin Krieg in 2021. Not a bad way to start your collegiate career.
By the Numbers
- UNC now holds a 4-0 all-time record against Jacksonville.
- The Tar Heels extended their season-opening win streak to 28 games - a run that dates back to 1999 and stands as the second-longest active streak in the nation.
- Wilson’s three-goal performance marked a new personal best.
- Marcus’ start between the pipes adds another chapter to UNC’s tradition of trusting young talent in big moments.
What’s Next
The Tar Heels don’t have long to rest. They’ll be back at Dorrance Field on Friday, hosting in-state foe High Point. Opening faceoff is set for 5 PM, with the game airing on ACCNX.
If Saturday’s win is any indication, this UNC squad has the poise, depth, and playmakers to make some serious noise this season. And with Szewczyk leading the charge, they’re already showing they know how to close when the pressure’s on.