There’s something about playing Ivy League rival Yale that helps Penn goalie Reed Junkin find another gear. In a one-goal win over the Bulldogs on March 30, Junkin turned in a season-high 22 saves and a 64.7 save percentage.
The two teams met again in the Ivy League final on Sunday. Junkin tallied 16 saves to help the Quakers hold on for the 12-11 win over Yale to take the conference title and earn the fourth seed in the NCAA tournament. Add on another 16-save performance in the one-goal semifinal win over Brown, and Junkin had a pretty great Ivy League tournament.
“This one was two games we needed to win, then we need to win two more games to make NCAA championship weekend, then win two games to win the national championship,” Junkin said after winning the title. “We’re focusing on the next thing and grouping it together and trying to do our best to keep playing and keep all the seniors still around on campus.”
With 32 saves in two tight games, and an Ivy Leauge Most Outstanding Player award to go with it, it comes as no surprise that Junkin earns Warrior/US Lacrosse Player of the Week honors.
The Warrior/US Lacrosse Player of the Week, selected by US Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors, recognizes the top performers in Division I men’s lacrosse throughout the season.
Previous winners: