Drama seems to be the theme for the 13th-ranked UNC men’s lacrosse team here in the early portion of the 2018 season, as the Tar Heels needed overtime one again to defeat Lehigh 12-11 Saturday afternoon at Kenan Stadium.

Midfielder William Perry’s fourth goal of the game came just 36 seconds into the extra period and improved UNC’s record to 3-0 so far in 2018. It was also the team’s second consecutive overtime victory, following a 15-14 win over Furman last week.

In addition to Perry’s outstanding day, the Tar Heels received three goals from attacker Timmy Kelly and two apiece from Chris Cloutier and Andy Matthews.

Las Vegas native Justin Anderson accounted for UNC’s other goal, as he scored just 31 seconds into regulation to give the home side an early lead.

The Tar Heels then held onto that lead for nearly the entire game, until Lehigh (2-1) went ahead 11-10 with only three minutes left in the fourth quarter on a goal from Andrew Pettit–who led the visitors with four goals in the game.

Less than a minute later, Kelly responded on the other end with the goal that ultimately forced overtime.

A crucial face-off win to begin the extra period then eventually led to Perry’s game-winner just seconds later–a rocket of a shot from the left wing, which came after Cloutier drew the defense’s attention and delivered a pinpoint pass.

Up Next:

The Tar Heels will face their toughest test yet in their next game, on Friday, Feb. 23–when they travel to Baltimore to face No. 8 Johns Hopkins. That game is set to begin at 5 p.m.

 

 

Photo via Jeffrey A. Camarati (UNC Athletics)