ATLANTA – After standing tall in a 2-1 West Coast swing against ranked teams, Utah Valley rookie netminder Max Sturgill has been named the MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 13.

The Wolverines played three games in four days, starting with No. 23 Dominican. The American Fork, Utah, product turned away 18 shots in a 19-11 victory.

The next day, Utah Valley took on No. 8 Santa Clara. The two teams went to overtime, where the Broncos ultimately beat the Wolverines, 15-14, but Sturgill finished with 25 stops to keep UVU in the mix.

Utah Valley’s road trip finished with a stop at No. 21 Cal Poly and the contest was a classic, going to a third overtime session before the Wolverines finally took the 12-11 victory. Sturgill was the difference, making a staggering 30 saves in the win.

For the week, Sturgill made 73 saves while allowing 37 goals – good for a 66.4 save percentage.

“Max stepped up huge for us this week,” said Utah Valley coach Brian Barnhill. “Down two starting defensemen and freshmen taking their places, we needed Max to play like a seasoned veteran. He raised his game, made critical saves and was a general for the defense.

“The team rallied around his aggressive play, which led to quick transitions and offensive opportunities. As a team player, Max doesn't look for recognition. He always puts the team first and celebrates his teammates successes and lifts them up when needed. We're very fortunate to have him on our team.”

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, Sturgill will receive a prize package from Guardian PEARL, a ball that lasts longer than the rest and never greases. Guardian PEARL is the proud partner of the MCLA.

Pearl Honor Roll

Zach Blake, Junior – California
The Golden Bears took down rival Stanford, 6-2, thanks to the inspired play of the New Haven, Conn., kid. He finished with 17 saves and a 89.5 sv%.

Jason Bohlinger, Soph. – Chapman
The Panthers upended No. 10 Arizona State for a crucial SLC victory thanks to 19 stops from the Yorba Linda, Calif., native.

Aidan Frazier, Soph. – Texas
The Lewisville, Texas, product turned away nine shots, helping the Longhorns upset No. 16 Colorado State, 13-6.

Mason Moon, Senior – Brigham Young
The Cougars rolled up three ranked teams on their West Coast swing, anchored by the Frisco, Texas, product, who finished with a combined 72.3 sv%.

Cameron Shank, Jr. – Dominican
In the loss to Utah Valley, the Cleveland, Ohio, native not only turned away 16 shots, but also scored a pair of goals against the Wolverines.

Michael Smat, Senior – USC
In a big conference win over San Diego State, the Fort Worth, Texas, product made 27 saves (71.1 sv%) for the Trojans.