Clemson’s Hennessey Earns PEARL Honor

<i>(Photo by Maddy Djuric)</i>

ATLANTA – After backstopping the Tigers to a huge ranked upset in the conference first round, Clemson senior netminder <a href="https://mcla.us/players/john-hennessey-e1659b">John Hennessey</a> 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<br>Made 24 saves and earned game MVP honors in pivotal win over Colorado in finale.

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

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