University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
12-1, 5-0
Louisville
10-5, 2-3
McCool's Big Day Leads To 15-11 Win At Louisville
April 8, 2017 | Women's Lacrosse
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| Postgame Infographic |
LOUISVILLE, KY. – Marie McCool set career highs with seven goals and eight points as the second-ranked North Carolina women's lacrosse team won its ninth consecutive game, 15-11, at No. 20 Louisville on Saturday afternoon.
With the victory, Carolina picked up its 18th straight victory against an ACC opponent and improved to 12-1 this season, 5-0 in ACC action. The Cardinals fell to 10-5, 2-3.
McCool's seven goals are a career high, and her eight points tied the career high she set against James Madison in the 2017 season opener against James Madison. Molly Hendrick scored four goals for the Tar Heels, Ela Hazar had two goals and an assist and both Carly Reed and Caroline Wakefield scored single goals.
McCool scored three consecutive goals to close the first half after Louisville had built its biggest lead of the game at 7-3. Carolina scored seven of the first eight goals of the second half, led by three more in a row from McCool, to take control of the game at 13-8.
"Today was a great team win," head coach Jenny Levy said afterward. "We were challenged in many ways, and the situation demanded our collective focus and fortitude, execution and the ability to dig our cleats in and find a way to win. Marie McCool was outstanding, with just dominating play on the field, especially on the offensive end. She was unstoppable.
"This game will be something we can build off of the rest of the season. It was a great opportunity, and our team rose to the occasion."
The Tar Heels bussed on Friday to Louisville after their scheduled flight was cancelled. They have won 29 of their last 30 games and improved to 3-0 all-time against Louisville.
Meghan Siverson and Hannah Koloski led the Cardinals with three goals apiece, while Jillian Balog and Taylor Webster both scored twice.
As a team, Carolina oushot the Cardinals, 39-24, including 21-12 in the second half. UNC won 17 of 28 draw controls in the game, led by Sammy Jo Tracy's five and two each from Hendrick, Erin Kelly and Maggie Auslander.
Senior All-America Caylee Waters started in goal for Carolina and picked up the victory, improving to 12-1 this season while recording nine saves, allowing 11 goals and gathering two ground balls. Elise Hennessey played a scoreless final 4:43 in the cage for UNC. Brittany Read made 14 saves in 60 minutes for Louisville.
Carolina will return to action next Saturday at home against Syracuse.
