Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:

1. North Carolina looks just about as unbeatable as Duke. The third-ranked Tar Heels defeated sixth-ranked Virginia 16-13 on Thursday in Charlottesville, Va., never trailing and leading by as many as eight goals.

A pair of man-down tallies to start the second quarter helped fuel an 8-1 run, as UNC (7-0) remained undefeated and extended its winning streak to 14 games dating back to last season. The Tar Heels are averaging more than 18 goals per game.

Chris Gray (four goals) dazzled with highlight-reel plays, Nicky Solomon (three goals, three assists) did a little bit of everything and goalie Collin Kreig made 20 saves to keep UVA at bay.

2. Syracuse dominated Notre Dame in a top-five women’s lacrosse matchup Thursday at the Carrier Dome. Sierra Cockerille scored a career-high five goals and Katelyn Mashewke corralled a career-high 12 draw controls in an 18-14 victory. The second-ranked Orange (4-0) led 15-6 at one point, as the third-ranked Fighting Irish (2-1) rallied too late. The teams combined for 32 goals and 40 turnovers in an up-tempo game. They’ll meet again Sunday.

Another intraconference top-10 doubleheader that started with a bang Thursday was between Big Ten foes No. 4 Northwestern and No. 8 Penn State. Delayed a week due to coronavirus concerns, the Wildcats rode a career-high seven goals from Lauren Gilbert to a 24-13 victory.

Erin Coykendall added three goals and four assists and Izzy Scane scored five goals for Northwestern (4-0).

Penn State (2-1) pulled within one early in the second half when Maria Auth (four goals) scored to make it 11-10. But the Wildcats responded with three goals in the next two minutes and never looked back.

3. The Premier Lacrosse League held its expansion draft Thursday. Brodie Merrill, a future Hall of Famer and ever the mercenary, was selected No. 1 overall by Cannons LC. The generational defenseman, 39, will play for the 12th different team in his 17-year professional career including the National Lacrosse League, Major League Lacrosse and the PLL.

Cannons coach Sean Quirk selected 18 unprotected players in the draft, including three faceoff specialists and another former Boston Cannons (MLL) favorite in midfielder Brent Adams.

Next up is the entry draft March 25. The Cannons are expected to take Lyle Thompson with the first pick.

4. The Tewaaraton Foundation announced 57 women’s players and 55 men’s players on Tewaaraton Award watch lists Thursday. Additions will be announced April 2. This is the 20th anniversary of the Tewaaraton, which since 2001 has been awarded to the top collegiate men’s and women’s lacrosse player in the country.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• How pre-Title IX era women paved the way for today’s players.

• Ascendancy stories on the fast-rising UConn women and UMBC men.

• Has Penn State turned the corner?

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Brought to you by Chris Gray. Are you not entertained?

Toe drag swag feat. Chris Gray

The @UNCMensLacrosse throwing some beautiful fakes and the Tar Heels are rolling over @UVAMensLax. pic.twitter.com/NebSdE41KS

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) March 12, 2021

CHRIS GRAY IS RIDICULOUS.

The backhanded laser goes and @UNCMensLacrosse leads 12-8. pic.twitter.com/T1qJLwm4Vz

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) March 12, 2021

HE’S A MAN POSSESSED.

If you had BTB on your Chris Gray goal scoring bingo card, you can mark that now. @UNCMensLacrosse leads 15-10 in the 4Q. pic.twitter.com/cyjUr5YNMw

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) March 12, 2021

WHAT’S ON TAP

• Our Gameday Guide posts with a primer for the weekend in college men’s and women’s lacrosse.

• Additional check-ins with the Bucknell and St. Bonaventure men.

• Nelson Rice features Albany’s Elijah Gash.

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