Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/9/11
Lacrosse Magazine online gave favorable reports on the recent scrimmage for Penn State’s men’s team against Johns Hopkins.
In the game held Saturday at State College, freshman goalie Austin Kaut – last year’s Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year at Springfield-Delco – looked strong while making 12 saves in three and a half quarters in a 7-4 loss.
Also in the game report, Hopkins standout sophomore defenseman Tucker Durkin (La Salle) was mentioned for his work covering former Philly rival Matt Mackrides (Malvern Prep), PSU’s top offensive weapon. Mackrides was held scoreless, but contributed two nice assists.
The Nittany Lions are expected to be much improved from the 2-11 unit last year under veteran coach Glenn Thiel, who retired after 33 years and over 200 wins. Jeff Tambroni, the new coach, comes highly-acclaimed after leading Cornell to two Final Four appearances in four seasons and a streak of eight straight Ivy League crowns.
The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are coming off their first losing season (7-8) since 1971. They did make the NCAA tournament, though, but were thumped, 18-5, to eventual champion Duke in the first round. Hopkins will also look to senior face-off specialist Matt Dolente (Malvern Prep) this year.
Penn State senior defenseman and captain Matt Bernier (Malvern Prep) gave Lacrosse Magazine this assessment of Kaut: “Austin Kaut played incredible. That was really awesome to see him step up and be able to get in a zone and not let too much in that cage.”
Also mentioned as impact freshmen for Penn State were attackmen Shane Sturgis (Downingtown East) and Stephen Aitken (Haverford School).
Lastly, the report noted that injury-plagued attackman Jack Forster (La Salle) continues to try to come back from multiple surgeries on his knees. Forster, who has been a force for the Lions when healthy, had another procedure during the winter and will be out at least a few more weeks.
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