Men's Lacrosse Earns Gritty Win Over Penn State, 10-8

Saturday, March 14

Charlotte, N.C.

6:30 PM

North Carolina

7-1

Penn State

4-3

North Carolina

Penn St.

Photo by: NATE SKVORETZ

March 14, 2026 | Men's Lacrosse

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Tar Heel defense limited Penn State to single-digit goals, en route to the 10-8 victory over the ninth-ranked Nittany Lions Saturday evening.

With the win, Carolina is 7-1 on the season, earning their first top-10 victory of the campaign.

How It Happened
• Both teams posted three goals each in the opening stanza, as Anthony Raio opened the game hitting the back of the net, followed by two consecutive goals from Mason Szewczyk.
• Carolina outscored Penn State 3-1 in the second quarter, with Raio and Gary Merrill scoring the quarter's first two goals.
• With four second remaining in the half, Owen Duffy fed Brevin Wilson, pushing the Tar Heel lead to two entering the half, 6-4.
• Penn State outscored Carolina 2-1 in the third quarter, as Raio hit the back of the net for his third of the night.
• The Tar Heels posted a goal each from Brevin Wilson, Dominic Pietramala and Duffy in the fourth, securing the win.

Tar Heel Performances
• Raio led all players with three goals, followed by Szewczyk's first-quarter pair and Wilson's two goals.
• Brady Wambach won the faceoff battle, posting 14 wins and 10 ground balls.
• Defensive midfielder Leif Hagerup posted five caused turnovers.
• Josh Marcus earned his seventh win of the year between the pipes, stopping seven shots.

Inside The Numbers
• Carolina leads the all-time series over Penn State, 11-0.
• The Tar Heels are 6-0 this season when allowing single-digit goals and 20-0 over the last three seasons.
• Saturday was Raio's first career hat trick.
• Hagerup's five caused turnovers was a career best.
• Duffy has now posted at least one point in all 35 career games.

Up Next
• The Tar Heels return to Dorrance Field next Saturday, hosting No. 13 Army.
• Opening faceoff between Carolina and the Black Knights is set for 4:30 PM, televised on ACC Network.