A dominant first-half defensive effort was more than enough to carry the No. 1 UNC women’s lacrosse team past No. 7 Florida Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill. Carolina didn’t allow the Gators to get on the scoreboard at all in the first 30 minutes of the 12-5 victory.

The win is UNC’s 25th win in a row and 36th in a row at home, a streak that ironically started after a loss to Florida at what was formerly known as Fetzer Field.

Saturday’s game began as something of a defensive struggle, as freshman Marissa White’s seventh goal of the season was the only goal between either side in the first quarter. But Carolina put the hammer down in the second, scoring five times to blow the game open by halftime. Each goal was scored by a different Tar Heel: Melissa Sconone, Caitlyn Wurzburger, Brooklyn Neumen, Reilly Casey and Kaleigh Harden all got in on the act.

The Gators attempted to rally in the third and cut the deficit to three goals twice, but another run of five unanswered by Carolina ensured there would be no upset. White scored again in the second half, moving her into second place on the team in goals behind Casey.

The Tar Heels dominated in possession, doubling up the Gators in draw controls (14-7) while turning them over 14 times. Florida only fired seven total shots in its scoreless first half, while Carolina totaled eight shots in the first quarter alone.

With three impressive wins under its belt, Carolina will now take to the road for the first time this season, visiting Virginia Tech in the ACC opener. The opening draw between the Tar Heels and Hokies is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. in Blacksburg. The game will also be broadcast on ACC Network.

 

Featured image via UNC Women’s Lacrosse on Twitter

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