ATLANTA – After backstopping UNC-Charlotte to an impressive victory over a ranked team, 49ers senior netminder Austin Nelli has been named Pearl’s MCLA Division II Goalie of the Week for the period ending Feb. 10.

In a neutral site game in Dallas, Ga., UNC-Charlotte stunned No. 13 Missouri State, 16-6, thanks to Nelli. The Raleigh, N.C., product made 15 saves, allowing just six goals for a 71.4 save percentage.

“Austin’s been a valuable asset on and off the field for our guys,” said UNC-Charlotte coach Daniel Ryan. “He’s one of our leaders. We knew we could count on him to have a big game against big competition and he didn’t disappoint. He was locked in from the moment we got off the bus and the boys really fed off that.”

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

Caleb Koopman, Fr. – Biola
The rookie drew No. 19 San Diego in his first career start, but Koopman didn’t back down. He made 15 saves in a 10-4 loss to keep the Eagles in the contest.

Jay Molander, Jr. – Kennesaw State
Pearl’s Goalie of the Week last week is still dominating, combining for 28 saves and 11 goals against (71.8 sv%) in pair of ranked wins.

Jared Osmond, Fr. – San Diego
Going up against Division I San Diego State on Sunday, the rookie made 16 saves to keep the Toreros in a game they eventually lost, 9-8.