ATLANTA – After leading his team to an automatic qualifying berth to the 2019 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour, Bridgewater State senior netminder Anthony Keyes has earned Pear’s Division II Goalie of the Week honors for the period ending April 14.

In a 3-0 week for the Bears, the Bridgewater, Mass., native was superb. It started on Wednesday with Keyes making 12 saves (63.2 sv%) in a 16-7 victory over CLC foe Westfield State.

Keyes followed that up two days later with a 19-save performance (73.1 sv%) at conference rival Stonehill.

He wrapped up the week with his best effort, turning away 18 shots (75.0 sv%) in Bridgewater’s 12-6 victory over defending conference champion Central Conn. State. The win wrapped up the nationals berth for the Bears.

“Over the past week Anthony stepped up and really carried our team,” said Bridgewater State coach Pat Welsh. “Our defense had really been a bright spot this year, but we’re starting two freshmen at close defense and one at long-stick midfielder.

“Those young players can play with confidence knowing that if they make a mistake, they have a guy in goal who will make the save. It really takes a lot of pressure off of them and has allowed them to get better as the year moved along”

For his efforts in earning the Pearl’s Performance of the Week, Keyes 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 Pearl Honor Roll

Jake Downing, Fr. – MSU Denver
The Roadrunners picked up a nice non-conference win over Gonzaga on Saturday thanks to a 16-save effort (61.5 sv%) from Downing.

Joe Kissick, Sr. – North Florida
The Ospreys took down No. 11 Florida Gulf Coast, 9-8, thanks to 14 saves (63.6 sv%) from the Orlando native.

Alex Moyer, Sr. – Grand Valley State
The Lakers stifled No. 2 Dayton, 8-7, on Friday afternoon thanks in large part to the 18 saves (72.0 sv%) posted by the Howell, Mich., native.

Justin Norton, Jr. – UC San Diego
In a monster game that would earn the Tritons the top seed in the SLC playoffs, Norton made 13 saves (65.0 sv%) in an 11-7 win over Cal State San Marcos.