Nittany Lions Look to Avoid Second Straight Loss Against The Tough Terrapins
Jeff Tambroni’s Nittany Lions have been night and day better this season after key players returned from injuries last year. The team started the season 5-2 and now faces its toughest opponent of the year in the Maryland Terrapins.
Penn State is coming off a surprising loss against Marquette. The Golden Eagles played stout defense for the majority of the contest against the Blue and White. Switching between zone and man-to-man defense Marquette forced many turnovers from the crosse’s of Penn State.
When Penn State wins games, they limit turnovers and do well at the faceoff stripe. Against Marquette, the Blue and White went 8-for-27 at the faceoff stripe, resulting in a lack of possessions.
TJ Malone has been the most consistent player for Penn State this season on attack. He has 31 points on the season and against Marquette, he had two goals and five assists. After missing last season due to injury Malone has been a very important leader for this year's squad.
A key component in the blue and white’s success this season has been the stout defensive play from Alex Ross, Jack Posey and Sam Sweeney. Kevin Parnham was a starter amongst the defenders at the beginning of the season, but he went down in the home opener against Lafayette.
Since then, the defense has only given up 10.67 goals per game, showing major resilience against some of the top attackmen in the nation.
The Terrapins took on Virginia last weekend, the consensus No. 1 overall team for six straight weeks. In an instant classic game, the Terrapins topped the Cavaliers 14-13 in overtime on the road at Klöckner.
Last year’s national champions lost many key players from its roster, but it doesn’t matter because John Tillman has put together class after class of top recruits to try and build a dynasty in College Park.
The team is led on defense by Brett Makar. He is a walking ball of muscle and has amassed 28 ground balls and 13 caused turnovers on the season. Regarded as one of the top close defenders in the country, he will be a tough task to beat for the Nittany Lion offense.
On offense, Maryland is led by Daniel Kelly and Daniel Maltz, also known as "Daniel Squared." Both have 15 goals on the season and can sting the corners from anywhere.
In a matchup between No. 2 Maryland and No. 10 Penn State, fans should expect to see plenty of stellar defensive play, as well as some jaw-dropping goals.
Stars line the lineups of both squads and anything can happen any week in college lacrosse. In what could be a potential Big Ten tournament matchup in May, both teams will look to pave their way to a successful road through Big Ten competition.
Hayden Lewis is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email lewis1818hayden@gmail.com.
