(Photo by Louis Murray)

ATLANTA – After leading Grand Valley State to a victory over the No. 2 team in the country, Lakers sophomore netminder Keegan Greene is the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 2.

The ninth-ranked Lakers were able to topple second-ranked St. Thomas on Sunday thanks to 16 saves from the Grand Rapids, Mich., product as Grand Valley State posted the 11-7 victory.

On Friday, the Lakers went up against No. 5 Missouri State, bowing, 6-5, but Greene was outstanding. He finished with 21 saves against just six goals against – a 77.8 save percentage.

For the weekend, he finished with 37 stops and 13 goals against for a 74.0 combined save percentage. He also chipped in with a pair of ground balls and was instrumental in the clearing game.

“We had to replace all three starters at defense from last year’s team, and Keegan’s ability to communicate and keep us organized on the defensive end has been a large part of our maturation and execution on that side of the ball as we have progressed this season,” said Grand Valley State coach Tim Murray.

“Keegan was masterful between the pipes this past weekend. We came up a little short against a very good Missouri State team on Friday night, but Keegan kept us in the game.

“He saved every shot he should have, and even stole a couple would-be goals to give us a chance to pull it out late in the game. On Sunday, he demonstrated not only his shot-stopping ability, but also his ability to clear the ball efficiently and effectively.

“We have a lot of respect for both Missouri State and St Thomas, in particular the talent both teams have on the offensive end. We faced dynamic playmakers and shooters-scorers in both games, and Keegan was a significant reason we were able to hold both to single digits.”

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, Greene 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

Tucker Hoffmann, Jr. – Dayton
In a fruitful road trip to North Carolina, the Louisville product combined for 35 saves and a 70.0 save percentage in wins over App State and UNC-Wilmington.

Nicholas Meola, Jr. – Florida Atlantic
The Owls punched their ticket to the postseason with a win over Miami thanks to 21 saves from the Flemington, N.J., product.

Jarett Smith, Soph. – UC San Diego
In wins over No. 8 Utah State and Utah Tech, the Monrovia, Calif., netminder posted 19 saves and just nine goals against.

Griffin Snow, Fr. – Long Beach State
In a 2-1 week for The Beach, the Thousand Oaks, Calif., product made 53 saves against 31 goals against (63.1 save percentage).