The No. 3 North Carolina men’s lacrosse team fired on all cylinders offensively, averaging 17 goals in its two ACC Tournament games this weekend, but facing an equally potent Virginia offense Sunday, UNC needed its defense to secure its first ACC Championship since 1996.
The defense responded, turning the Cavaliers away on all five of their extra-man opportunities, including three in the fourth quarter.
UNC coach Joe Breschi said that while his defensemen struggled early, especially in the first quarter, they accomplished one of his keys to game — limiting the Cavaliers’ chances at inside shots.
When the Cavaliers found an opening they still had to beat freshman goalkeeper Kieran Burke, who recorded 17 saves, including 12 in the second half.
“It all comes down to the goalie making outside saves,” Breschi said. “At the end of the day Kieran Burke was dialed in, specifically in the second half, and really did a terrific job of gobbling up outside shots.”
Breschi said the defense’s job was made all the more difficult by the slippery conditions at Kenan Stadium Sunday.
“Offensively you know where you’re going, and defensively you’re trying to react,” Breschi said. “You’re trying to slide and break down and guys are slipping all over the place, and the recoveries are struggling.”
Though Virginia senior Matt White found openings on the inside, tying an ACC Championship single-game record with seven goals, the rest of the Cavaliers’ attack had much more trouble.
UVa. attackman Mark Cockerton needed 16 shots to net his three goals, which Breschi said was a credit to UNC defenseman Jordan Smith’s coverage.