The UNC women’s lacrosse program has its sights set on some hardware for the 2022 season, with a rock solid backstop being one of the reasons why. Carolina’s fifth-year senior goalie Taylor Moreno was named the preseason ACC Defensive Player of the Year Friday by Inside Lacrosse.

Moreno has already led one of the most decorated careers in the history of the women’s lacrosse program. She is a three-time All-American, two-time ACC Tournament MVP and was named National Goalie of the Year in 2021. Moreno has also started 57 of a possible 65 games during her time at Carolina, and logged more than 3100 minutes in net.

Moreno is one of nine Carolina players who were honored by Inside Lacrosse earlier this month as preseason All-Americans. Four of Moreno’s teammates joined her on the first team: attacker Jamie Ortega, midfielders Ally Mastroianni and Olivia Dirks and defender Emma Trenchard. UNC’s nine five preseason first team All-Americans and nine overall are both the most among any program in the country.

The women’s lacrosse team is ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll, behind only defending national champion Boston College. The Tar Heels will open their season on the road when they visit No. 12 James Madison on February 12. Carolina’s home opener will come on February 16 against Furman.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

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