Balkam rebounds from benching with career high 14 saves for UNC men's lacrosse

With time still remaining, Brian Balkam was replaced in goal ... again.

But this time, Balkam received a roaring ovation as he trotted to the sideline.

Just nine days earlier, the North Carolina men’s lacrosse goalkeeper was yanked from UNC’s showdown with Duke. The redshirt sophomore struggled in the 23 minutes he played, allowing six goals to just two saves.

But a lot can change in nine days.

After his first-half exit against Duke, Balkam flipped the script against Virginia on Sunday, propelling his team to a 16-8 victory. By the time he was relieved of his duties, Balkam had already iced the game, allowing just seven goals in 56 minutes.

Despite his difficulties against Duke, Balkam’s coaches knew he was their guy going into the team’s second ACC matchup.

“Being pulled isn’t an easy thing for a goalie,” Coach Joe Breschi said. “I talked to him earlier in the week, and I told him we’re going back to him, and we have confidence in him.”

The Tar Heels’ confidence was well placed, as Balkam posted a career-high 14 saves.

When UVa. did find shooting opportunities, the Cavaliers placed an impressive 69.7 percent of their shots on goal. But Balkam was ready for every shot, seeing to it UNC’s lead was never threatened despite UVa.’s sharp shooting.

But the goalkeeper’s biggest contribution wasn’t blocking shots but helping lead and organize his defense from the cage — something he has struggled with in the past.

“Sometimes, when you’re thrust into a new role, it’s not making the save that’s the toughest thing,” said midfielder Michael Tagliaferri. “Really, it’s conducting the whole defense.”

As the season has progressed, Balkam has gained a better understanding of his responsibilities as the team’s general from the back. In Sunday’s game, the redshirt sophomore could be heard from the stands, directing the charge.

“The goalie has to be the most vocal guy on the field because they’re the last line of defense,” Balkam said. “You need to hold everybody to a standard.”

Balkam has grown more comfortable with the position of field general — even if it means sometimes he has to be the bad guy.

“If people aren’t playing up to our standard, you’ve got to call them out sometimes,” Balkam said. “As I got more experience under my belt, I’ve felt more comfortable being able to get in guys faces and bring out the best in them.”

Balkam didn’t have much to criticize as his team dominated in every phase of the game. With a swagger about them, the Tar Heels fed off Balkam’s standout performance.

“The biggest thing I’ve seen with (Balkam) in his growth as a player is he’s confident in the cage,” Tagliaferri said. “And now, that confidence is spreading out to the entire team.”

With his confidence rejuvenated, Balkam’s leadership and shot-stopping on Sunday were simply irreplaceable.

@_Brohammed

sports@dailytarheel.com