Before a crucial pair of games to end the regular season, it may have been expected that coach Jeff Cook would rely on his poised and experienced veteran personnel.
This includes junior goalkeeper Josh Levine, who has appeared in 31 games for the program over his three seasons in State College.
However, Cook has relied on many of his underclassmen all year, and it paid off again as Penn State finished off its season with two crucial victories.
Anyone who’s seen the Nittany Lions play this season shouldn’t be surprised that the second-year head coach is throwing his young talent into key situations — including freshman goalkeeper Kris Shakes, who has not only earned his time between the posts, but has also become a critical piece not just for the team’s future, but for its postseason run in 2019.