Annapolis (Map, News) - Navy senior attack Nick Mirabito thought he played his last college lacrosse game after a 12-9 loss to Colgate in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament on April 25.

Mirabito was looking forward to graduating later this month before beginning his training to become a a naval surface warfare officer to fulfill his five-year military obligation for attending the Academy.

But Mirabito and his teammates received a season-saving surprise this past Sunday, when the Midshipmen (9-5) received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament after losing four of five games to end the regular season.

“Losing the way we had wasn't a good feeling,” Mirabito, who has 20 goals and 21 assists, said. “Also, it was nerve-racking not having an automatic bid locked up and leaving our destiny in the selection committee's hands.”

Navy's first-round opponent — North Carolina — followed a similar path, as the Tar Heels (8-5) were awarded the tournament’s fourth seed after losing four of five games to end the regular season.

Now, the teams meet tonight at 7:30 in Chapel Hill, N.C., with the winner advancing to play fifth-seeded Johns Hopkins (8-5) or Hofstra (10-5) in the quarterfinals at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on May 17.

The Tar Heels feature a balanced attack with six players who have at least 10 goals, including junior attack and St. Paul's graduate Bart Wagner (16 goals, 15 assists) and junior Ben Hunt, a former Severna Park standout who has 20 goals and nine assists.

“North Carolina is still a very good team and have played against some of the top teams in the country, including beating Johns Hopkins,” Navy coach Richie Meade said. “I don't think we could have kept up with their schedule.”

Navy and North Carolina have met 22 times overall with both teams winning 11 times. Last season, Navy routed North Carolina, 19-8 in the regular season only to have the Tar Heels bounce the Midshipmen in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, 12-8, in Chapel Hill.

Navy is making its fifth straight trip into the NCAA tournament and North Carolina is in the 16-team field for the second straight season.

“Our team, especially the senior class, understands the extra opportunity we received when we got an at-large bid,” Mirabito said. “We've had our ups and downs this year, but if we can maintain possession, win the faceoffs and play Navy defense, then I think we have a good chance of getting a win.”

Mirabito said the opportunity to play next week at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is added incentive. Navy hasn’t advanced past the second round of the tournament since falling in the championship game to Syracuse in 2004.

“We have great fans,” he said. “It would be an honor to get to play in front of them one final time and hopefully get to the Final Four.”

rsnyder@baltimoreexaminer.com