Both the UNC men’s and women’s lacrosse programs are poised for big things in the 2022 season. After the two programs each reached their respective Final Fours in 2021, both appeared in the top 10 of USA Lacrosse Magazine’s preseason polls Monday. The men’s team came in at No. 6, while the women’s team appeared at No. 2.

The Tar Heel men are ranked behind three fellow ACC teams, with defending national champion Virginia at No. 1, Duke at No. 3 and Notre Dame at No. 5. The Tar Heels fell to the Cavaliers in last season’s national semifinals. Graduate attacker Chris Gray and senior midfielder Conner Maher were both named preseason first-team All-Americans by the magazine, with Gray being selected as its preseason Player of the Year.

To view the full men’s poll, click here.

The women sit behind only defending national champion Boston College at No. 1. The Eagles spoiled UNC’s pursuit of a perfect season in the 2021 Final Four on their way to the title. The ACC boasts the top three teams in the preseason poll, with Syracuse checking in at No. 3. Six Tar Heels earned preseason All-American honors from the magazine, with four Tar Heels appearing on the first team: attacker Jamie Ortega, midfielder Ally Mastroianni, defender Emma Trenchard and goalie Taylor Moreno, all seniors in 2022.

To view the full women’s poll, click here.

Neither the men’s or women’s teams have yet released their 2022 regular season schedules.


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