Clemson Lacrosse's Season Comes to an End

Clemson finished with an accomplished season.

Coming off its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance and win, Clemson Lacrosse took on top-seed North Carolina. The Tigers defeated Navy 11-8 in the first round. This will be the third contest between the two programs this season. The Tar Heels have won both previous matchups. They are currently the only undefeated team in the nation, posting an 18-0 record. Rain was coming down throughout the game in Chapel Hill. 

North Carolina’s Kiley Mottice tallied the first score of the game on the Tar Heels' first possession. The first few minutes were a ping-pong battle as the teams evaluated each other’s defenses. Lindsey Marshall aggressively rode her defender to the crease to get Clemson on the board. This goal marked her 60th of the season. Freshman Kira Balis was competitive in the draw circle, awarding the Tigers offensive possessions. Katie Castiello capitalized, scoring a five-hole on UNC’s goalkeeper Betty Nelson. The Tar Heels adjusted to Clemson’s zone defense scoring at the buzzer of the first quarter to be up 5-2. 

The Tigers managed to keep star freshman Chloe Humphrey quiet through the first 15 minutes of play. She broke the silence with back-to-back goals in the second. Humphrey caused a turnover, keeping the Tar Heels on offense, resulting in another goal. On a woman up advantage, Marshall drew shooting space, but sailed her free-position shot too high. The next possession, Bridget Babcock had a left-hand drive that found the back of the net. Clemson momentarily stopped double-teaming older sister, Ashley Humphrey, opening up her hands. She was able to find her sibling to complete her second-quarter hat trick. The Tigers responded with Natalie Shurtleff finding Castiello. The score was 9-5 at halftime as Bridget Babcock successfully converted her 8-meter opportunity in the last 40 seconds. 

In the cage, Emily Lamparter got the start for Clemson. She opened the third quarter with an incredible save off a behind-the-back shot from Humphrey. An 8-meter opportunity was blocked by her stick. The next possession was another save from Lamparter. The senior was trying to will her team back into the game. Offensively, it seemed the nerves were getting to the Tigers. Errant passes resulted in turnovers. North Carolina capitalized, extending their lead. Brooke Goldstein facilitated to Lexi Edmonds on a power play for Clemson's only goal of the third.

The Tar Heels were well in the driver’s seat. The Tar Heels won draw controls, and worked deep offensive sets to maintain possession. Babcock eventually managed to muscle through her defenders for a goal. This marked her 5th goal in the last two games. North Carolina kept their foot on the gas. Marissa White collected her 5th goal off a give-and-go in transition. With two minutes remaining running clock went into effect as North Carolina built their lead to 10. Castiello kept the energy up, scoring her 5th goal to stop the clock for the last minute. 

Clemson Lacrosse ended their season with an 18-9 loss to No. 1 North Carolina. The Tigers hung in there in the first half but were unable to match the firepower of the undefeated Tar Heels. Castiello led the Tigers with 5 goals. In the program’s third season, they reached new heights, setting multiple records and earning their first-ever NCAA tournament win. It's a season to be proud of. The seniors on this squad will be greatly missed but the future is bright for this young program.