ATLANTA – After helping the Banana Slugs knock off a pair of ranked teams, UC Santa Cruz freshman goalie Wade Matern has been named Pearl’s Goalie of the Week for the period ending Feb. 24.

The Slugs opened the weekend against No. 18 UC San Diego and thanks to 11 saves from the Davis, Calif., product, UCSC took home the upset victory, 9-4. Matern posted a 73.3 save percentage.

Against No. 10 Cal State San Marcos – a team that qualified for the 2018 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour – Matern made 13 stops as the Slugs stunned the Cougars, 18-10.

For the weekend, Matern made 24 saves and allowed 14 goals for a 63.2 save percentage.

“This weekend was a test for our program and we came out focused, prepared and executed well and Wade played like a seasoned veteran,” said UC Santa Cruz coach Larry Boehm. “Time and time again, Wade made saves that stymied comebacks while engineering a defense that was able to control the pace of the game. The Slugs are encouraged by these victories and ever mindful that it is only February. There is a lot of lacrosse to be played.”

For his efforts in earning the Pearl’s Performance of the Week, Matern 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.

Guardian Pear Honor Roll

Justin Albright, Soph. – Baylor
In a tight game against St. Edward’s, Albright turned away 32 Hilltopper shot to give the Bears a 9-6 win.