Dominic Pietramala’s Career Night Powers No. 8 UNC Past High Point, 20-9
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Dominic Pietramala put on a clinic Friday night at Dorrance Field, netting a career-high seven goals to lead No. 8 North Carolina to a commanding 20-9 win over High Point. With the victory, the Tar Heels move to 2-0 on the young season, while the Panthers drop to 1-1.
From the opening whistle, it was clear Carolina came ready to set the tone. The Tar Heels jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first quarter, with Pietramala striking twice early to get the offense rolling. The junior attackman didn’t stop there-he added three more in the second quarter, part of a 7-1 run that gave UNC a 12-2 advantage heading into halftime.
It was a complete first-half performance from the Heels, with Mason Szewczyk chipping in two goals during that second-quarter surge. Ty English and Chase Cellucci each added one of their own, and by the time the teams headed to the locker room, the game was firmly in Carolina’s control.
High Point showed some fight in the third, outscoring UNC 5-4 in the frame. Brevin Wilson led the charge for the Panthers with a pair of goals, but even as they tried to claw back, Carolina kept the pressure on. Pietramala notched his sixth of the night in the third, and Anthony Raio added another to keep the cushion intact.
In the fourth quarter, the Tar Heels closed the door. Four different players found the back of the net to seal the win, capping off a dominant night on both ends of the field.
Pietramala’s Big Night and More Tar Heel Highlights
Pietramala was the clear standout, finishing with seven goals and an assist. It marked the 10th time in his career he’s posted four or more goals in a game-but this one was special. The seven-goal outburst was the best of his career and a loud reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he finds a rhythm.
Freshman Owen Duffy continued to impress as a facilitator, notching a team-best four assists and scoring his first collegiate goal. He’s quickly becoming a key piece in UNC’s offensive puzzle.
Brady Wambach owned the faceoff X, winning 16 draws and scooping up 10 ground balls-giving Carolina the kind of possession advantage that makes a difference in games like this.
Between the pipes, Josh Marcus picked up the win with four saves through three quarters of work. Kent Goode and Brayson Wilson handled the fourth, combining for five stops to keep High Point in check down the stretch.
Notable Numbers and Milestones
- With the win, UNC improves to 9-1 all-time against High Point.
- The Tar Heels are now 2-0 to start the season for the 13th consecutive year-consistency that speaks volumes about the program’s foundation.
- Cellucci’s second-quarter goal was the first of his career. The defenseman has now recorded a point in both of Carolina’s games this season after tallying an assist in the opener.
- Brevin Wilson has opened the season with back-to-back multi-goal games, emerging as a steady scoring threat for the Panthers.
What’s Next
Carolina stays home to wrap up its opening three-game homestand, welcoming Iona to Dorrance Field on Sunday. Faceoff is set for noon, with the game streaming live on ACCNX. If Pietramala and company keep clicking like they did Friday night, the Tar Heels will be a tough out for anyone this season.