(Photo by Gary Mukai Images)

ATLANTA – After backstopping the Bulldogs to the grueling UMLC Division II title, Minn.-Duluth junior netminder Blake Nastrom is Pearls’ Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 28.

Top-ranked Duluth opened the tournament against defending national champion North Dakota State and the Blaine, Minn., product made 15 saves (60.0 sv%) in the Bulldogs 16-10 triumph.

Nastrom followed that up with another 15 saves (75.0 sv%) in UMD’s 8-5 grinder over St. Thomas in the UMLC title tilt.

Nastrom has a 67.7 save percentage for the season as the Bulldogs head into the 2019 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour as the top seed.

“Blake's success and impact from game to game is often overlooked because the high number of saves per game is such a constant,” said Duluth co-coach Alex McNamara. “However, it's the consistency of saves that he ‘shouldn't’ make is what makes him such an extraordinary player.”

“Nasty is the heart of the defense,” said Duluth co-coach Ben Blaeser. “His energy and confidence allow our poles to play fearless, and he makes teams pay for poor shooting. He is the best goalie in the country, period.”

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

Arthur Antonio, Jr. – UC Davis
The Aggies rolled to the WCLL title thanks to a pair of solid outings from Antonio. He combined for 20 saves and just six goals allowed against Humboldt and Saint Mary’s.

John Joseph, Jr. – Rhode Island
The Rams captured the first-ever CLC championship thanks to Joseph’s play in the cage, especially the championship game when he made 14 stops (60.9 sv%) against CCSU.

Joe Kissick, Sr. – North Florida
Combined for 21 saves against UNC-Charlotte and Kennesaw State, leading the Ospreys to their first SELC Division II crown.