Navy had questions, UNC brought answers

Photos: Photo Gallery of UNC Lacrosse v Navy.

On March 2nd in Annapolis, the North Carolina men’s lacrosse team bore a 19-8 beating at the hands of the midshipmen. Fast forward 10 weeks later, Navy fans were scratching their heads, wondering why they were seeded 9th and being sent down to Chapel Hill to play the Heels in round one of the NCAA tournament. RPI and SOS aside, they wondered how they could be sent to play a team they pounded so easily before. A 24 hour thunderstorm delay in Chapel Hill that pushed the Saturday game to Sunday, while Annapolis enjoyed sunny weather, gave Navy fans further proof that it would have been better to play at Navy.

UNC answered those questions with the scoreboard, beating Navy 12-8 on Sunday. Was UNC beating Navy an upset? Hardly. UNC had grown up much since their beating at Navy. Before Sunday’s game, Navy coach Ritchie Meade (and UNC alumnus) himself said: “I walked off the field that night [March 2nd] thinking that we’re not as good and they’re not as bad as that score would indicate,” he said. “North Carolina has grown up and improved tremendously since that game.” [source: Annapolis Capital] After the Navy loss, UNC went on to beat Notre Dame, Johns Hopkins and gave both UVA and Duke close games.

The Heels dominated in the 2nd half, playing with the kind of skill that could win them the national championship. Okay, okay, I’m getting ahead of myself. My blind optimism aside, the Heels, utilizing brilliant goalkeeper performance by Grant Zimmerman and the unscripted offense (Burkey’s goal as testament), can beat anyone.

UNC will now play at Navy in the NCAA Quarterfinals. There, fate has them playing for a third time this season their favorite neighbors, Duke. In another twist, neither quarterfinal hosting school (Navy and Princeton) will play on the field where they will host.

I found out I am traveling with the team on the bus to Annapolis and I am stoked. Annapolis is a beautiful town and I’m looking forward to going back. This also provides a great photo opportunity to cover the Heels behind-the-scenes as they begin their march for the Final Four in Baltimore. Very similiar to the Andrew Brackman project that I am working on.