Fresh off a surprise ACC Tournament Championship, UNC men’s lacrosse senior Austin Pifani received more good news on Tuesday–when he was named the league’s Defender of the Year.

A captain for head coach Joe Breschi in each of the last two years, Pifani has started every game he’s played in during his outstanding career in Chapel Hill–missing just three games due to injury last season.

The Roslyn, Pennsylvania native has caused 64 turnovers in his career, including 21 this season. He ranks second in school history in that category, behind only Michael Jarvis (2007-10).

Pifani–a First Team All-ACC selection in each of the last two years–is also the first Tar Heel to win the ACC Defender of the Year since the league split its Player of the Year Award into two categories.

In the past, UNC defenders Randy Cox (1984), Graham Harden (1991) and Alex Martin (1992) each took home the conference Player of the Year Award.

“Being a member of the University of North Carolina lacrosse family is an honor in itself<” Pifani said, in a statement released by the school. “For my name to be mentioned amongst some of the greatest defensive players to ever receive this award in the ACC and from UNC such as Randy Cox, Graham Harden and Alex Martin is truly humbling.

“It is such an incredible feeling to be able to bring this award home to UNC for all of the players who have worn the Carolina name across their chest.”

Pifani and the team will hope to continue their recent success in the NCAA Tournament, where the Tar Heels (8-7) are looking to defend last year’s national championship.