When No. 11 Penn State men’s lacrosse traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, to take on No. 3 Johns Hopkins, two of its star defenders were still questionable to play. Jack Posey hadn’t seen the field since tearing his ACL at the end of the 2023 season and Kevin Parnham hadn’t appeared since an upper-body injury in week one of 2024.  

Despite stellar performances throughout the season from the rest of the defense, the Nittany Lions desperately needed the experience and depth that Parnham and Posey bring if they were going to slow down one of the nation’s best teams.

Parnham and Posey made the trip to Homewood Field and played a role in holding the Blue Jays to just nine goals in an overtime loss. While the performance was not up to the high standards both players have, both are now one step closer to being 100% healthy. 

“I thought they both performed well,” head coach Jeff Tambroni said. “Neither of them have played competitive lacrosse, for Kevin for the last eight weeks, Jack, the better part of nine months.” 

For most of the game, Posey and Parnham took turns down low playing close defense. They were tasked with slowing down 2023 First-Team All-Big Ten selection Russell Melendez. In last year’s matchup at Panzer Stadium, Melendez scored six times but was held to just one goal on Saturday.  

Still, after a game of relative success, Tambroni doesn’t believe either player will be satisfied with their performance.  

“I think they would probably be the first to tell you that they still have a little way to grow and to gain comfort in the speed of play and the chemistry that’s necessary for the defensive end,” Tambroni said. 

There’s no doubt both players will continue to pick up speed and get back to their old forms. When they do, Penn State has a lot to look forward to.

In 2023, Posey was a USILA, Inside Lacrosse, and USA Lacrosse Magazine All-American Honorable Mention, leading the Nittany Lion defense through most of the NCAA Tournament before his injury against Army. Parnham also played a significant role in last year’s team, starting in 10 games, including all three NCAA Tournament games.  

For now, though, Penn State’s defenders like Alex Ross, Joe Scarfi, and Sam Sweeney will be asked to continue their performances as Posey and Parnham get back into the swing of things.  

The next test for the Nittany Lions is at noon on Saturday, April 13, against Michigan. The game marks the second to last regular-season game of the year for Penn State.