There’s seemingly no stopping North Carolina.
Boston College learned that lesson Saturday, deploying a double shutoff on UNC’s star attackers Katie Hoeg and Jamie Ortega, only to watch the Tar Heels’ midfield take over in a 21-9 win in Chapel Hill, N.C.
No. 1 North Carolina (6-0, 2-0 ACC) scored seven unanswered goals to start the second half and pull away from No. 11 Boston College (2-1, 0-1). The Tar Heels have won 12 straight games dating back to last season and have outscored their six opponents this year 95-38.
Ortega broke free for a game-high six goals and Hoeg contributed three assists, but it was the UNC midfield that had BC on its heels for most of the game. The Eagles’ face-guarding strategy opened up space for Tar Heels midfielders Kerrigan Miller (three goals) and Ally Mastroianni (three goals, six draw controls).
The dodging for @uncwlax
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) March 6, 2021
Kerrigan Miller has two goals and UNC leads @BCwlax 10-7 at the half. pic.twitter.com/FdrCagbIIx
Scottie Rose Growney (three goals, three assists) and Tayler Warehime (three goals), normally complementary attackers, combined for nine points.
North Carolina also frequently double- and triple-teamed Boston College’s ball carriers between the 30s, flashing its depth in the defensive midfield. The Tar Heels, who have yet to allow an opponent to reach double figures in scoring, blanked the Eagles in the second half except for a 47-second stretch during which Courtney Weeks connected for two goals.
Charlotte North led Boston College with three goals and eight draw controls.
Charlotte North with the no-angle finish. @BCwlax leads @uncwlax 3-1 early in the game of the day. pic.twitter.com/EKbj1ykOzE
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) March 6, 2021
Four of North Carolina’s six wins have come against top-20 teams. All six games have been at home. The Tar Heels hit the road for the first time next week with a pair of games at No. 17 Virginia Tech.