ACC Lacrosse Tournament 2015: Winners, Losers from Semifinal Games

There was no shortage of excitement during the first day of the ACC Lacrosse Tournament on Friday.

The semifinal round started with Duke holding off a furious late-game comeback from top-ranked Notre Dame. Later in the day, Syracuse scored with less than two minutes remaining to steal a one-goal victory from North Carolina.

There were many big performances and even bigger letdowns. Who were the winners and losers of the ACC tourney's opening day? Read on to find out.

Winner: Case Matheis

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The first hero of the day was Case Matheis, who shredded Notre Dame's defense all game. He started hot, scoring two of the Blue Devils' first three goals, and he had a hat trick before the Irish had scored twice.

Later, his fourth-quarter goal put the game just out of reach of Notre Dame. Matheis did all he needed to—and more—for Duke to get the win. 

Loser: Jimmy Bitter

The most disappointing performance of the day may have been from UNC's Jimmy Bitter, who led the team in scoring this season but was held without a point against Syracuse.

The senior attackman has tallied 69 points this season, but he was held to 0-of-12 shooting and zero assists in the semis. Credit 'Cuse goalie Bobby Wardwell for his impressive game; still, it was a disappointing showing from Bitter.

Winner: Bobby Wardwell

Star attackman Dylan Donahue has owned the spotlight at Syracuse all season, but goalie Bobby Wardwell deserves praise after Saturday's game.

The senior had a career-high 14 saves against UNC, including a string of big ones down the stretch. It's worth noting that he was benched midway through the last meeting with UNC, a 17-15 loss, but he definitely capitalized on a second chance Friday.

He'll have a huge task against Duke's Matheis, Jack Bruckner and Myles Jones in the final, but we'll see if he can put together another big showing.

Loser: Matt Kavanagh

GAIL BURTON/Associated Press

Matt Kavanagh came into this game as the ACC's Offensive Player of the Week and one of our "Players to Watch". His game-winning goal against North Carolina on April 18 gave the Irish all the hype entering the tournament, but unfortunately, it was short-lived.

Kavanagh finished the game with a mere two points on 1-of-9 shooting. He assisted on Notre Dame's first goal, but his lone score was long after the game was out of reach for the Irish.

It was a sad ending to the junior's ACC season, but he'll have a shot at redemption in the national tournament.

Winner: Underdogs

Michael Perez/Associated Press

If you love upsets, the ACC semis were for you.

Both contests saw David slay Goliath, although neither upset was completely fortuitous. Heavy favorite Notre Dame got beat up for a solid three quarters before making it close, and North Carolina fell just short of keeping its championship hopes alive.

If the first day was any indication, Sunday's championship game will be a fast-paced thriller. Don't miss it—and bring your oxygen.

Samuel Benson covers college lacrosse as a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Contact him at [e-mail].