Ty Curry Leads North to Fifth Straight Win in New Balance All-America Game

TOWSON, Md. — A barrage of teammates gathered around Notre Dame-bound attackman Ty Curry during his postgame television interview following the North boys’ 13-7 victory in Saturday night’s New Balance All-America Lacrosse Senior Game at Johnny Unitas Stadium.

While his North teammates ultimately dispersed, Curry soon found himself swarmed by youth players asking for autographs and pictures with the game MVP. The Carlisle, Mass., native buried a game-high four goals to lead his squad to victory and capture the individual honor.

“This was a dream of mine to play in when I was super young, like these kids’ ages,” Curry said, pointing to a group of young fans showing off some newly signed gear. “To get the opportunity to play out here is such a privilege, and I’m super grateful for it. And I guess I got lucky tonight to score four goals.”

The game had the initial look of a back-and-forth battle as the North squad clung to a 6-5 halftime lead. But the victors left no doubt, outscoring the South 7-2 in the second half to secure a six-goal win.

The result marked the North’s fifth consecutive victory in the event and extended its all-time advantage to 11-9.

“Despite it being an all-star game and nobody really playing with each other before, the chemistry was off the charts,” Curry said. “It created so much flow for the game.”

Nine North players recorded goals, while Bennett Matthews — USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ National Player of the Year — dished out a game-high two assists.

Matthews, a midfielder who will enroll at Duke in the fall, said the North team’s creativity helped the group pull away late in the game.

“It’s absolutely amazing. I haven’t seen so many BTBs, around-the-worlds and everything like that in one game, ever,” Matthews said. “Just everything going up and down, the fun stuff going on with the celebrations and everything like that, it’s an amazing game. I’m honored to play in it. It was an absolute pleasure.”

Jay Cohn, an incoming attackman at Harvard, led the South squad with two goals. The Cary, N.C., native said he hopes he put on a showcase for lacrosse in nontraditional areas.

Cohn’s appearance marked the third consecutive year with at least one North Carolina representative on the field.

“It means a lot coming from the South to represent and show some people down there [they] can do it,” Cohn said. “I hopefully surprised a couple people. Lacrosse is growing down there, and we have some grit.”

The North goalie platoon of Kieran Walsh (Notre Dame) and Hunter Mezzatesta (Virginia) combined for 20 stops in a spirited display between the pipes. Although the two will soon be heated ACC rivals, Mezzatesta and Walsh relished the chance to make a joint shot-stopping statement amid free-flowing attacking theatrics.

Walsh set the tone with six first-quarter saves and wrapped up his evening with nine saves on a 64.3% save percentage. Mezzatesta made 11 second-half saves, surrendering just two goals in the game’s final 24 minutes.

“Hunter Mezzatesta and Kieran Walsh stood on their heads,” Matthews said. “They both played an amazing game, and it sucks that I’m going to have to play against both of them in the ACC.”

As he stepped into action after the intermission, Mezzatesta reflected on his journey to the All-American stage. He credited “waking up happy” daily and consistent hard work for his success.

“At the end of the day, all these guys are going D-I for a reason,” Mezzatesta said. “We’ve known each other for years. We love each other; we’re great friends. We had a great two days together, and we get to play on the field in front of all the fans in the North-South rivalry. We’ve all dreamed of this moment, and for it to come true today was unbelievable.”

In carrying his MVP plaque out of Johnny Unitas Stadium, Curry became the second-straight Fighting Irish signee to garner the award after Teddy Lally did so in 2025. But Curry, who watched Notre Dame fall one game shy of the sport’s ultimate prize this May, said the work has only just begun.

“It gives me a lot of fuel, but also, I have a clean slate,” Curry said. “I’m not bringing anything, any awards to ND. I have to prove myself. I gotta prove myself to coach [Kevin] Corrigan and all the players.”