Six Penn State men’s lacrosse seniors set to return to Happy Valley
Penn State received a huge boost to its core on Friday as six seniors announced their return to Happy Valley. TJ Malone, Grant Haus, Jack Posey, Chris Jordan, Sam Sweeney and Ryan Huff are the six returning Nittany Lions.
Malone is coming off an electric season that boasted him scoring 39 goals and tallying 34 assists. Both numbers were tops on the team leading to his team-high 73 points last year. Malone has a chance to be a first-team All-American with another spectacular season and could end up being the best attackman in the Big Ten once again.
Haus tallied 35 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers and will once again lead a solid short-stick defensive midfield unit. Haus also added a pair of goals and an assist on the year, all three of which came during important games.
Posey was the team’s best defender all season and unfortunately saw his season end early with an injury in the team’s NCAA Quarterfinal Matchup against Army. Posey had 25 ground balls, and 11 caused turnovers while adding two goals to his stat sheet. Posey has a chance to be a first-team All-American with another spectacular season.
After landing awkwardly on the ride against Ohio State, Chris Jordan would miss seven straight games before returning to action against Duke in the NCAA Semifinal. The graduate transfer from St. Lawrence finished No. 8 in points on the blue and white with 12 goals and seven assists last season.
Sweeney is a Swiss Army Knife with a long pole because he will do anything the coaching staff asks him to do. Last year Sweeney took runs at close defense and LSM and bolstered 48 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers. He also added a goal and an assist as well.
Huff is the lone man of the six who did not contribute during games, but bringing back another senior who can help lead and mold the future of Penn State Lacrosse is huge for Tambroni’s team. Huff will probably play a similar role as Henry Carpenter did this past season which will be great for team culture.
With these six guys returning to campus, the Nittany Lions have a chance to make it back to Memorial Day Weekend and a chance to compete for a National Championship.
Hayden Lewis is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email lewis1818hayden@gmail.com.
