CHAPEL HILL – The No. 2 seed UNC men’s lacrosse team captured its first ACC championship in 17 years Sunday at Kenan Stadium defeating No. 4 seed Virginia, 16-13.

The Tar Heels took down the No. 3 seed Duke Blue Devils in the semifinals 18-17 with a strong first half. The defense held on in the second for revenge of last year’s ACC championship.

UVA hadn’t won a conference game all season until the ACC semifinals. The Cavaliers defeated No. 1 seed Maryland handily in the semis, 13-6.

Senior Marcus Holman was named tournament MVP—he had four goals and two assists in the semifinal win and five assists in the title game; senior Davey Emala had a career-high four-goals, leading the way for the Tar Heels; and freshman Kieran Burke had 17 saves in goal.

The win marks Carolina’s ninth straight as the Tar Heels improved to 12-3. UNC will likely get the top seed in the NCAA tournament when the field is announced Sunday, May 5. The first round takes place May 11 and 12 .