Clemson’s Hennessey Earns PEARL Honor

(Photo by Maddy Djuric)

ATLANTA – After backstopping the Tigers to a huge ranked upset in the conference first round, Clemson senior netminder John Hennessey is the MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 20.

Traveling to Blacksburg to take on second-seeded and No. 13-ranked Virginia Tech, Clemson needed a big performance out of Hennessey and the Acton, Mass., product delivered. Hennessey stopped 22 shots as the Tigers were able to walk away with the 14-12 upset.

With just the 12 goals allowed, Hennessey posted a 64.7 save percentage for the game.

“As a captain and the president of the team, John encompasses everything you want in a player and a leader,” said Clemson coach Andrew Tobias. “John is the cornerstone of our defense and is always pushing our defense to improve as a unit.

“We are used to seeing John make difficult saves look easy during practice, and he does the same thing during big games. We knew we would have a battle going into Blacksburg, and John not only stepped up, but he exceeded our expectations. I can't say enough about the player and young man he has grown into.”

As the recipient of the PEARL Goalie of the Week honor, Hennessey will receive a PEARL swag bag of goodies that will include PEARL lacrosse balls – the official ball of the MCLA.

PEARL Honor Roll

Charlie Bibaud, Colorado State
Made 24 saves and earned game MVP honors in pivotal win over Colorado in finale.

Aiden Miller, James Madison
Posted a 66.7 save percentage to lead the Dukes to a first-round victory over Pitt.

Easton Wilkey, Brigham Young
Combined for 40 saves and gobbled up 40 ground balls in conference wins over Utah and Utah Valley.