UNC Women’s Lacrosse 2025-2026
- Thread starter airball
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Several thoughts from seeing UNC in person:
1. We are QUICK offensively.
2. Defense is a work in progress but unlike sports like basketball it doesn't matter as much if you win the draw and limit TOs.
3. I love how aggressive we are on the draws.
4. Charlotte Rathjen got some action there and I think the future is bright.
5. I loved the entire energy of the bench- everyone is engaged and seems to be having fun, coaches look like they are constantly communicating with players and each other, and I loved how excited they got for the younger players when they did something good.
6. I believe Hurlman is going to be a really good defender.
7. I am worried about Nelson- she's not the same person as last year. When they subbed for her to give the fr playing time, she looked dejected on sideline.
8. We need BWW back (anyone know anything about her or Zink's status? )
9. The freshmen with more experience are going to be really good.
10. Preseason I saw alot of positive press about Tess Calabria. I've noticed she has only played in 1 game and I didn't see her today (she could have been in the line of players not dressed out). Does anyone know her status?
11. Chloe is on another level. Despite missing several shots she normally makes and having 4 TOs, she is IT. Her presence, her energy, her mindset is on another level. Even when the score was lopsided and she came out, she seemed laser focused on what was happening on the field. She is just a different bred.
Sorry for the length of this but it was exciting to see this team in person today.
1. We are QUICK offensively.
2. Defense is a work in progress but unlike sports like basketball it doesn't matter as much if you win the draw and limit TOs.
3. I love how aggressive we are on the draws.
4. Charlotte Rathjen got some action there and I think the future is bright.
5. I loved the entire energy of the bench- everyone is engaged and seems to be having fun, coaches look like they are constantly communicating with players and each other, and I loved how excited they got for the younger players when they did something good.
6. I believe Hurlman is going to be a really good defender.
7. I am worried about Nelson- she's not the same person as last year. When they subbed for her to give the fr playing time, she looked dejected on sideline.
8. We need BWW back (anyone know anything about her or Zink's status? )
9. The freshmen with more experience are going to be really good.
10. Preseason I saw alot of positive press about Tess Calabria. I've noticed she has only played in 1 game and I didn't see her today (she could have been in the line of players not dressed out). Does anyone know her status?
11. Chloe is on another level. Despite missing several shots she normally makes and having 4 TOs, she is IT. Her presence, her energy, her mindset is on another level. Even when the score was lopsided and she came out, she seemed laser focused on what was happening on the field. She is just a different bred.
Sorry for the length of this but it was exciting to see this team in person today.
You're not the only one worried about Nelson.Oh wow, I didn't realize that. So both her and Eva Ingrilli sat out last year and now have to sit out this year. I feel for both of them.
During the broadcast they mentioned that Levy expects BWW to be back in the next two or so weeks. Let's hope it all goes well.
We had one injured player who first had a heavy wrapping on her leg, then an ice pack, then collapsed on the field after the game. Was that Ingrilli?
Betty is in a slump right now. I think a lot of it is has to do with her confidence and trying to figure out what she is doing wrong. As I stated before, her teammates are going to have to continue to keep encouraging her, inspire and motivate her that is going to be all right. Also, she and one of the assistance coaches should watch film to try to figure what is going wrong. I think it has something to do with her mechanics, technique, and confidence. It can be fixed IMO. I was wondering why Zink was not playing. I did not know she was hurt. The Freshman goalie looked pretty good yesterday. Man, I hate it for both Tessa and Eva. I am glad that Jeny and staff have recruited well to offset the injuries. Go Heels!
Michigan beats BC 10-9 in double OT. Preseason #3 BC is now 0-3.
#6 Princeton loses 14-10 to Loyola Maryland. #3 Stanford beat Syracuse 8-6 yesterday. #7 Clemson falls 14-13 to Florida. dook squeaks by Richmond 15-14 in OT. #2 Maryland edges St. Josephs (1-3 record) 17-15 yesterday
#6 Princeton loses 14-10 to Loyola Maryland. #3 Stanford beat Syracuse 8-6 yesterday. #7 Clemson falls 14-13 to Florida. dook squeaks by Richmond 15-14 in OT. #2 Maryland edges St. Josephs (1-3 record) 17-15 yesterday
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Thanks Nate1972 for the information and for sharing. Wow, BC lost again is shocking.
Where is Airball? He hasn't posted on here since the first week of February. Hope all is well!
Wow, topsy turvy year so far! Michigan for real probably but have not seen. Nor have I seen BC. Stanford looked good against Cuse at a glance; SU has 1 strong/confident shooter but didn’t look great offensively otherwise. They moved the ball well but little in the way of dodging/athleticism in my glance. UofR pretty good, scrapped well. D00k the better team overall but defense needs to improve. D00k was better conditioned and it showed Q4. Watched some St Joes vs UMD also. St Joes experienced and good but UMD was not impressive athletically. Maybe they “dint get off the bus?” St Joes strikes me as sort of a depressing place to play this time of year from last experience. A10 pretty healthy lacrosse but not near top of ACC, especially with UMass gone (where did they go??).
So glad you said something about tomorrow, riv! I wouldn’t have known. Thankfully ESPN+ allows us to watch past games.
Wondering how ne goalie coach might be affecting Betty N. A goalie friend says goalie coaching these days very different from old school (don’t know how). Maybe she’s trying to get adjusted like with a new golf coach. I’m clueless on goalie play pretty much though! Betty good but not great at times last year imo, but she did get better gradually alll last year, and my comp’s of our past goalies are truly off-the-charts from our 2016 and more Moreno periods
, unfair pretty much. Our defense has so typically helped our keepers so well though (last yr) with few middle dodges allowed and forcing low angle shooting. Apologies for length; excited for spring lacrosse.
…maybe Airball having trouble digesting so much action!
So glad you said something about tomorrow, riv! I wouldn’t have known. Thankfully ESPN+ allows us to watch past games.
Wondering how ne goalie coach might be affecting Betty N. A goalie friend says goalie coaching these days very different from old school (don’t know how). Maybe she’s trying to get adjusted like with a new golf coach. I’m clueless on goalie play pretty much though! Betty good but not great at times last year imo, but she did get better gradually alll last year, and my comp’s of our past goalies are truly off-the-charts from our 2016 and more Moreno periods
, unfair pretty much. Our defense has so typically helped our keepers so well though (last yr) with few middle dodges allowed and forcing low angle shooting. Apologies for length; excited for spring lacrosse.…maybe Airball having trouble digesting so much action!
Yeah, running the clock with 2 minutes left in the first was a beat down.
I appreciate it wasn't a Louisville defense that was going to challenge, but this UNC offense was potent today. I wasn't counting but it seems like Osburn's minutes are down. Levy again impressed with her physicality. Felter is legit and should make the Top 10 again with that shot.
I don't know what to think about Nelson. Pull her now and she may not recover. I guess keep her in until she either figures it out or it gets to the point of jeopardizing a lead. I was honestly hoping that coach would pull the starters early in the third so the defense might actually get some pressure. It would probably help her a lot just to make some saves.
I appreciate it wasn't a Louisville defense that was going to challenge, but this UNC offense was potent today. I wasn't counting but it seems like Osburn's minutes are down. Levy again impressed with her physicality. Felter is legit and should make the Top 10 again with that shot.
I don't know what to think about Nelson. Pull her now and she may not recover. I guess keep her in until she either figures it out or it gets to the point of jeopardizing a lead. I was honestly hoping that coach would pull the starters early in the third so the defense might actually get some pressure. It would probably help her a lot just to make some saves.
The defensive pressure today was excellent. This offense is just they good. They have so many weapons that you just cannot plan for one or two people. They have scoring from everybody including the freshmen: Dwyer, King, Magday, Winkler, Stoltz. I think people have forgotten that this year freshmen class coming in was ranked number 2 in the nation behind Clemson. Next year's class in ranked number 1. On the defensive side they start two freshman and Dwyer is a freshman who starts on the offensive side. Magday and Winker, King, and Stoltz see a lot of time on the field as well. Zink is hurt right now and that is the reason why Betty is not taken out when she is not playing well. The other goalie is a true freshman. She has played in the last two games after we have gotten a big lead. If Zink was available, I do not think Jeny would not hesitate in taking her out. Remember last year, Jeny played Zink and Nelson throughout every game.
Our offense is one of most potent I have seen. But the key seems to be in the draw circle. If we win this and give the ball to our offense with their efficient and power game over. So again key is to keep winning this area. Ohio st and Louisville weren't great but man we were so aggressive, physical and quick to the ball and a handful of options. Gresham is so smart and experienced. Harden is just a beast. Then you add Osborn, Levy around the circle with their speed and strength and its dynamic. Leonard is growing into her role there as well and I like the experience that Rathjen is getting.
Now if we don't control the draw, that's another story. Would like to see the defense get some experience- but hard to make that work. You dont want to call of the dogs offensively. But Im sure practices are just as competitive if not more than most their games.
Now if we don't control the draw, that's another story. Would like to see the defense get some experience- but hard to make that work. You dont want to call of the dogs offensively. But Im sure practices are just as competitive if not more than most their games.
Yeah, I agree with you. I like the way the young players are playing a lot of minutes to help them gained experience. Also, once BWW and Zink are healthy and ready to play, the defense will be much stronger than it is now. Jeny has two freshman starting on the defensive side. That is good experience for them. All the young and new players are starting to adjust to the college game now. They are getting better each time that they are able to play. I agree that the draw control is a work in progress. Gresham and Charlotte Rathjen who is 6 feet tall are coming. I think the more Charlotte plays the better is becoming on the draw control. She is adjusting to the college as far as the draw control is concerned each game as she continues to play. Sophie Staka and Audrey Hurleman are getting better each game that they play. Hurleman starts as a defender as a freshman and Staka is a transfer from Yale that is a defender. Go Heels!
Eva Ingrilli was practicing per the instagram post today. She is expected to return this season and I hear sometime in the next few games!
I think Stadium Drive is by permit only until 5pm M-F
Yeah, but most lax games are past 5 pm. For today’s game, it’s a little trickier.
You can pay to park on Stadium on the weekdays after 5 for $1/HR and it’s free after 5 Fri-Sun.
She made a great save on a FPS, picked up the ball and then turned into the goal and fumbled the ball for an own goal. Really goofed up play.
yeah, but you don't scoop the ball towards your own net.
Carolina demonstrated its depth in today’s game. A few observations:
1. IMO, the reason the Heels‘ reserves are scoring is that there are feeders among the reserves. Julia O’Connor had three assists and Grace Winkler had a pair. (In the past, there have been games where the reserves simply couldn’t get good shots; this afternoon, this was not a problem.)
2. Brooklyn Walker-Welch was back today, but we didn’t see much of her because UNC played very little defense. The Heels won draws 22-8 and defensive players created 7 caused turnovers (CT).
3. Freshman Charlotte Rathjen took most of the draws, and collected six. She also scored her first Carolina goal and had a CT.
4. On the circle, RS Soph GraceAnn Leonard, who is also playing defense, captured five draws in addition to 1 GB and 3 CT. Kayleigh Harden had four draws, plus two GB and 2 CT.
5. Louisville transfer Negai Nakazawa scored her first two goals at UNC and had 2 DCs. In last Sunday’s game against her former Louisville teammates, whenever she touched the ball she was double teamed; it was pretty obvious that they were intent on her not scoring.
I typically get a little uncomfortable in lopsided games, but with this team it is fun to watch the freshmen get playing time. I think the team’s pool of talent (much of it young) is the deepest of any UNC women’s lacrosse team. Six freshmen have scored at least one goal.
1. IMO, the reason the Heels‘ reserves are scoring is that there are feeders among the reserves. Julia O’Connor had three assists and Grace Winkler had a pair. (In the past, there have been games where the reserves simply couldn’t get good shots; this afternoon, this was not a problem.)
2. Brooklyn Walker-Welch was back today, but we didn’t see much of her because UNC played very little defense. The Heels won draws 22-8 and defensive players created 7 caused turnovers (CT).
3. Freshman Charlotte Rathjen took most of the draws, and collected six. She also scored her first Carolina goal and had a CT.
4. On the circle, RS Soph GraceAnn Leonard, who is also playing defense, captured five draws in addition to 1 GB and 3 CT. Kayleigh Harden had four draws, plus two GB and 2 CT.
5. Louisville transfer Negai Nakazawa scored her first two goals at UNC and had 2 DCs. In last Sunday’s game against her former Louisville teammates, whenever she touched the ball she was double teamed; it was pretty obvious that they were intent on her not scoring.
I typically get a little uncomfortable in lopsided games, but with this team it is fun to watch the freshmen get playing time. I think the team’s pool of talent (much of it young) is the deepest of any UNC women’s lacrosse team. Six freshmen have scored at least one goal.
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It was a lack of focus on Betty's fault. I am glad that her teammates came over and told her that it was okay, do not worry about that, we got your back. She needed that otherwise her confidence would have been crushed. You saw her head go down in disgust when that happened. She is only human. I am not mad at her. We blew them out. Jeny and staff was able to take the starters out during the third quarter and rest them the entire 4th quarter. It gave the freshmen and other bench players valuable playing time, they were able to score some goals, and they were able to build up their confidence moving forward. Just like the WBB team last night, they set a new record. As the great Stu Scott said, "Boo-yah!" and "Cool as the other side of the pillow". Great win Ladies. Go Heels!
Thanks for the observations airball!
1. I agree with the feeding among the reserves- I'd even say while we miss Ashley Humphrey's passing and assisting, it seems like it is alot more spread out this year and numerous players on the field at one time are capable of making some really good passes to set up teammates. This makes us even more dynamic.
2. It was good to see BWW but the little I saw she looks like she wasn't moving great (to be expected but hope she is able to regain form). I noticed on the sideline when she came out one of the coaches asking her how it felt and it looked like the message was not great (I'm reading between lines from what I could lip read and body language so def. could be wrong).
3. Did I hear Eva's name mentioned?
4. As I asked in previous post, any word on Gresham? Looks like she took a hit to mouth or face on a draw early on and I didn't notice her come back in.
I appreciate all of you on here- I enjoy reading your insights. It has helped me become more aware and familiar with this team!
Hey! You're back! I hope all is well! Thanks, as always, for the insights!
IMO, these are the featured games today:
11:30 Northwestern @ Stony Brook (On Thursday, Stony Brook beat Colorado, which defeated Northwestern 2/9.)
2:00 Clemson (3-2) at Boston College (1-3); the Eagles have really struggled early with the only win being against Florida State; Clemson has 2 one-goal losses to #2 Stanford and #7 Florida. (UNC plays at Clemson this Wednesday, March 4.)
Other games of interest:
Stanford (5-0) @ Virginia (2-3)
Princeton (1-1) @ Maryland (4-0)
11:30 Northwestern @ Stony Brook (On Thursday, Stony Brook beat Colorado, which defeated Northwestern 2/9.)
2:00 Clemson (3-2) at Boston College (1-3); the Eagles have really struggled early with the only win being against Florida State; Clemson has 2 one-goal losses to #2 Stanford and #7 Florida. (UNC plays at Clemson this Wednesday, March 4.)
Other games of interest:
Stanford (5-0) @ Virginia (2-3)
Princeton (1-1) @ Maryland (4-0)
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