Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/19/12
From Press Release
Senior attackman Matthew Mackrides (Malvern Prep) of the Penn State men’s lacrosse team was selected 26th overall by the Chesapeake Bayhawks in the 2012 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft, which was held at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott.
Following his senior season, Mackrides will have the opportunity to become the 27th Nittany Lion to play professionally.
Penn State’s first two-time captain since Dave Daniecki, Greg Jackson and Tolleison Morriss each served in 1996-97, Mackrides is a two-time All-CAA First Team honoree. The attackman has started 39 games during his first three years and has recorded 102 points (71g, 31a) and 110 ground balls.
During the 2011 season, Mackrides led the Lions in goals (20) and shots on goal (48), and was tied for the team lead in man-up markers (3). In his sophomore season, the Newtown Square, Pa., native paced the squad in both points (44) and goals (36), and ranked second in ground balls (43). A consistent contributor in each of his three seasons, Mackrides registered a team-best 13 assists as a freshman.
Mackrides was a two-time All-American at Malvern and led the Friars to the Inter-Ac League championship in 2008, while also helping Malvern reach the EPSLA finals that year. As a senior, he was named EPSLA Player of the Year and he helped guide the USA Under-19 team to a world championship in 2008.
Mackrides and the rest of the Nittany Lions will open the 2012 campaign with a home exhibition match against Army Saturday, Jan. 28. After traveling to Johns Hopkins (Feb. 4) for its final exhibition contest, Penn State will commence the season against North Carolina in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 11.
