UNC women's lacrosse holds off James Madison for 16-14 season-opening win

Playing away from Fetzer Field due to the Orange County water shortage, the top-ranked North Carolina women’s lacrosse team overcame a slow start and began its title defense with a 16-14 win over James Madison on Saturday afternoon at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh.

Junior midfielder Marie McCool tied a career-high with six goals in the victory, which extended the Tar Heels’ winning streak to 18 games, the longest in program history.

What happened?

Taking the field for the first time since being crowned national champions in May, UNC was offered a quick reminder by James Madison that it’s a new season.

Not intimidated by their opponent, the Dukes jumped out to a 3-0 lead and were consistently able to find creases in the Tar Heels’ defense.

Thanks to strong play from senior attacker Margaret Fogarty and sophomore midfielder Hanna Haven — the duo combined for five goals in the opening half — James Madison held an 8-5 lead with just over three minutes remaining before halftime.

That’s when head coach Jenny Levy’s Tar Heels came to life.

UNC finally found a way past James Madison senior goalie Emily Poelma, who had impressed early on, and closed the first half out with three consecutive goals from senior attacker Molly Hendrick, junior midfielder Ela Hazar and McCool to bring the two teams even at the break.

UNC”s newfound momentum carried over into the second half. The Tar Heels scored five straight goals out of halftime and took control of the game to lead 13-8.

Still, James Madison didn’t go down without a fight and came within a goal with just under six minutes remaining. But the Tar Heels picked up an insurance goal from senior attacker Carly Reed with just over five minutes left to help protect their lead.

Who stood out?

If UNC is to match the success of last season, it’ll undoubtedly need more performances from McCool like the one she turned in on Saturday. Even as the Tar Heels struggled to get into a rhythm early on, McCool kept them afloat and was consistently their go-to player on offense.

In addition to her six goals, McCool also recorded two assists and helped set up Reed’s goal late in the second half, which put UNC back up by two goals.

When was it decided?

Down by two with less than two minutes left, James Madison had possession of the ball, but the Tar Heels forced a turnover and successfully saw the game out.

Why does it matter?

Although the game was just the first of 15 for the Tar Heels in the regular season, any coach would tell you it’s important to start the year off well. Despite getting off to a slow start, the Tar Heels were ultimately able to secure the victory, which might boost their momentum as a tough road game against No. 3 Florida awaits.

Where do they play next?

UNC will take on the Gators in Gainesville, Fla., at noon on Feb. 11.

@brennan_doherty

sports@dailytarheel.com