In a hostile environment, the No. 2 UNC women’s lacrosse team showed why they’re a considered a contender for the national championship, dispatching No. 12 James Madison 15-8 to open the 2022 season.

Sophomore attacker Caitlyn Wurzburger led the way with three goals and three assists for a team-high six points. Preseason All-American Jamie Ortega wasn’t far behind, opening her 2022 account with a goal and tying a career-high with three assists. She’s now scored a goal in 35 consecutive games, and tallied a point in 64 consecutive games.

Ortega and Wurzburger were both part of a balanced UNC attack which saw 10 different players find the back of the net. In addition, Carolina doubled up the Dukes on shot attempts, 36-18.

The Tar Heels found themselves down early when James Madison scored just three and a half minutes into the game. But UNC answered with three straight goals from Olivia Dirks, Andie Aldave and Wurzburger, and never lost control from that point on. Carolina led 6-3 at halftime, then scored three straight goals to begin the third quarter and blow the game open.

In net, preseason ACC Defensive Player of the Year Taylor Moreno tied a UNC record with her 49th win. She’s started 55 consecutive games for the Tar Heels.

The women’s lacrosse team has now won 28 of its last 29 games, and will look to extend that run of strong play on Wednesday at Dorrance Field. Carolina will host Furman at 4 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Kevin Warner

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