PLL Recap: Nardella Wins Championship, Mazzone Excels

PLL Recap: Nardella Wins Championship, Mazzone Excels

Aug 10 | Men's Lacrosse

Rutgers men's lacrosse was well represented by its alumni at the professional level this summer. The conclusion of the Premier Lacrosse League saw a former Scarlet Knight raise the championship trophy, and another make a statement in his league debut.

With four alumni originally on team rosters, Jules Heningburg (medical) and Chris Atlas did not join the PLL's bubble in Utah, leaving Joe Nardella and Christian Mazzone as Rutgers alumns in the league. And both excelled. Nardella proved to be the top in the league at his position, winning the league's Faceoff Athlete of the Championship Series award en route to his second straight championship with the Whipsnakes. Mazzone was an instant impact player in his debut for the Archers.

JOE NARDELLA

Nardella was one of the league's top players throughout the season, a MVP candidate and the clear top faceoff specialist in the league. Nardella won 72 percent of his faceoffs, not only the top mark in the league, but 10 percent higher that the second best. He also crushed the competition with 65 ground balls, leading the league by 31 more than second place. He also added three goals, three assists and caused a turnover. With his impact at the ‘X’, the Whipsnakes were able to control possession and claim the league's top-seed and back that up with a title. He was named to the league's All-Tournament Team.

"This is for all the people who made sacrifices to get us here to this point. All the people back home cheering us on."@JNardss ?? pic.twitter.com/TIZ9e2KtPP
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) August 9, 2020

Congratulations to Joe Nardella on winning the 2020 @PremierLacrosse Championship!! #ProudAlumni #UpStreamRedTeam #GORU pic.twitter.com/mx432qh1oO
— Coach Brian Brecht (@RUlaxCoach) August 10, 2020

.@JNardss is DOMINATING at the faceoff stripe ?? pic.twitter.com/otDR9PMFow
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 30, 2020

Faceoff Athlete of the Championship Series: @JNardss pic.twitter.com/KOQda2g8I6
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) August 13, 2020

CHRISTIAN MAZZONE

After a stellar pro debut last year with the Atlanta Blaze of the MLL, Mazzone switched league for this season and made a big impact on the national stage. A new member of the Archers, Mazzone made his presence felt right away with consecutive two-goals games, including one in highlight-reel fashion that ensured him a place on SportsCenter's Top 10. His eight goals in group play were tied for second most in the league in that stage. The midfielder finished with nine goals, a shot percentage of 69% that topped the league, nine ground balls and a caused turnover.