All season long, the men's lacrosse team has had just two goals: win the ACC tournament and then an NCAA championship.
Going undefeated was never a goal. But after a 9-0 start, suddenly it seemed to be a distinct possibility. Then last Wednesday night, North Carolina broke an 11-game ACC losing streak when it upset the Blue Devils in Durham, 10-9. The perfect season was over, but the postseason was just around the corner.
Tonight the Blue Devils begin their quest to accomplish one of their season-long goals as the ACC tournament gets underway in Chapel Hill. But at the same time, Duke can take care of some unfinished business.
The top-seeded and third-ranked Blue Devils (10-1, 2-1 in the ACC) will be seeking revenge as they take on No. 14 North Carolina (6-7, 1-2) tonight at 8 p.m. at Fetzer Field. It is a game that Duke is excited to play.
"We can't wait," goalie Matt Breslin said after Sunday's win over Virginia secured the first-round meeting with the Tar Heels. "We definitely have a feeling of revenge. We think we are a better team than Carolina. We wanted another shot at them."
The Blue Devils earned that chance with a thrilling 10-9 overtime victory over Virginia Sunday afternoon. Duke played well throughout, jumping out to an early 7-2 lead. The quick start was a sharp contrast to Wednesday's game with UNC, when Duke fell behind 5-0 at the half. It was the first time the Blue Devils were held scoreless for the first half.
"Everyone wants revenge," attackman T.J. Durnan said. "We know we're such a much better team than [Carolina]. We really can't say we play the way we wanted or the way we can last Wednesday. We're pretty excited [to be getting a second chance]."
Should Duke get past North Carolina, it will face the winner of the Virginia-Maryland game. The Blue Devils scored an impressive 11-10 comeback win against Maryland in early March. The Cavaliers, who defeated the Terps 13-4 earlier this season, boast a talented attack line that Duke kept in check Sunday, but may not have as much success if the two teams were to meet again.
"[Their attack versus our defense] was the key matchup today," Pressler said after the game Sunday. "We won that battle today, but that may not be the case next time."
But first up for Duke are the Tar Heels. And while the ultimate goal is an ACC title, there is little chance that the Blue Devils will look past the team responsible for the one blemish on their season.
"We wanted to play Carolina again," Pressler said. "Our guys got what we wanted. We feel we have some unfinished business with the Tar Heels."
Notes: Tickets are available for $5 for adults and $2 for ACC students with a college ID, senior citizens and children 18 and under.... No. 5 Virginia and eighth-ranked Maryland get things started tonight at 6 p.m.... Sunday's championship game is scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Fetzer Field.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.