Tar Heels Set to Face Johns Hopkins in Lacrosse Showdown
Chapel Hill, N.C. - The North Carolina Tar Heels men's lacrosse team is gearing up for an exciting clash against the 14th-ranked Johns Hopkins Blue Jays this Friday at Dorrance Field. With the game set to kick off at 5 PM, fans can catch all the action live on the ACC Network.
Game Details
- Date/Time: Friday, Feb. 20 - 5 PM
- Location: Dorrance Field, Chapel Hill, N.C.
- Watch: ACC Network
What’s at Stake for Carolina?
A victory over Johns Hopkins would be significant for the Tar Heels. Not only would it tie the all-time series with the Blue Jays at 27 wins apiece, but it would also mark Carolina’s first ranked win of the 2026 season. Additionally, a win would help the Tar Heels start the season 4-0 for the second consecutive year and give Coach Joe Breschi his 265th career victory, including 173 with North Carolina.
Recap of the Iona Game
In their last outing, the Tar Heels showed their prowess by overcoming an early deficit against Iona. After trailing 2-0, they stormed back with a 23-5 run to secure a commanding 23-7 victory.
Owen Duffy was a standout performer, contributing three goals and five assists. Impressively, 17 players found the back of the net, with five scoring multiple goals.
Brady Wambach dominated at the faceoff X, going 18-20 and setting a UNC single-game record with 17 ground balls.
A Historic Rivalry
The rivalry between Carolina and Johns Hopkins is storied, dating back to 1981. They've faced off every season except 2021, including nine meetings in the NCAA Tournament.
Carolina claimed its first two National Championships by defeating the Blue Jays in 1981 and 1982. Between 1978 and 1987, these two powerhouses combined to capture all but one National Championship.
Wambach’s Impact
Brady Wambach continues to be a crucial asset for the Tar Heels. Entering Friday's matchup, he ranks fifth among active Division I players with 417 faceoff wins. His accolades include earning USILA First Team All-America honors in 2025, a feat last achieved by a Tar Heel in 2012.
Celebrating Championship Anniversaries
This year, North Carolina is celebrating milestone anniversaries for four of its five championship teams:
- 1981: 45-year anniversary
- 1986: 40-year anniversary
- 1991: 35-year anniversary
- 2016: 10-year anniversary
As the Tar Heels prepare to take the field against a familiar foe, fans can anticipate a thrilling contest that pays homage to a rich history of excellence.