Chapel Hill, N.C. - Home Opener Preview: No. 1 North Carolina vs. Ohio State
The stage is set for an exciting clash as the top-ranked North Carolina women's lacrosse team hosts Ohio State at Dorrance Field this Friday at 1:30 p.m. The Tar Heels, sporting a perfect 2-0 record, are poised to continue their dominance against the 2-1 Buckeyes.
Historically, Carolina has been a formidable opponent for Ohio State, boasting an 11-1 advantage in their all-time series, including an unblemished 3-0 at home. Remarkably, this marks their first encounter since 2009.
Broadcast Details
Fans can catch all the action live on ACCNX, with commentary from Ian Unsworth and Gabby Sartori.
Key Game Insights
- One Love Game: This matchup supports the One Love Foundation. For more on their mission, visit joinonelove.org.
- Winning Streak: The Tar Heels are riding a remarkable 24-game winning streak, the longest in the nation. This streak is the third longest in program history and ranks 11th in NCAA history.
- Challenging Schedule: UNC faces one of the toughest schedules nationwide, with nine of the Top 20 teams on their slate this season.
- Offensive Powerhouse: Last season, Carolina set a program record by outscoring opponents 384-151, boasting a 10.6 scoring margin per game, the best in the nation. Their offensive prowess led both the ACC and NCAA with 17.5 goals per game.
- Defensive Prowess: The Tar Heels' defense was equally impressive, allowing just 6.9 goals per game, leading both the ACC and NCAA. They held opponents scoreless in 18 quarters, including a standout performance in the NCAA Semifinal against Florida.
- All-America Honors: Nine Tar Heels earned preseason All-America nods, headlined by first-team selections Sam Forrest, Chloe Humphrey, and Brooklyn Walker-Welch. Additional honorees include Kate Levy, Kily Mottice, Betty Nelson, Eliza Osburn, Addison Pattillo, and Ellie Traggio.
- Chloe Humphrey's Return: The reigning Honda Sports Award and Tewaaraton winner, Chloe Humphrey, is back for her sophomore year.
Last season, she set an NCAA record with 90 goals and added 28 assists. Her summer with Team USA saw her winning gold and earning MVP honors at the Atlas Cup.
- Kate Levy's Breakout: Levy shined against #13 Syracuse, achieving career highs with three goals, five points, and three caused turnovers.
- Darcy Felter's Hot Start: Felter has tallied seven goals in the first two games, matching her career high with five goals against JMU and adding two more at Syracuse.
- Kaleigh Harden's Draw Control Dominance: Harden has been a force in draw controls, averaging seven per game, which ranks her 21st nationally and fourth in the ACC.
With a rich history and a roster brimming with talent, the Tar Heels are set to deliver another thrilling performance. Fans won't want to miss this exciting matchup as North Carolina looks to maintain its winning ways.