(Photo by Gary Mukai Images)

ATLANTA – After leading Minn.-Duluth to a victory over MCLA Division I No. 18 Minnesota on Saturday, Bulldog senior faceoff specialist Blake Barta has earned MCLA Division II Dominant Performance of the Week presented by Warrior for the period ending Feb. 9.

The Excelsior, Minn., product won 14-of-19 faceoffs (73.6%) on the day and his dominance at the dot helped Duluth outscore the Golden Gophers, 6-2 over the second and third quarters.

Barta also gobbled up six ground balls on the afternoon.

“Blake is a senior leader on and off the field,” said Duluth co-coach Alex McNamara. “He doubles as our team president, which showcases his responsibility and dedication to the team. His competitiveness and grit on the field drive his success at the X.”

"Blake is a grinder and is someone you want on your side when you go into a dog fight," added co-coach Ben Blaeser. "His passion on the field is fueled by the bond he has with his teammates. He is selfless and is a team-first guy."

For his efforts in earning the Dominant Performance of the Week presented by Warrior, Barta will receive a new Warrior Burn 2 – a $90 value. Warrior is a proud supporter of the MCLA.

WARRIOR HONOR ROLL

Nicholas Alo, Jr. – Georgia Southern
The Eagles took down College of Charleston and The Citadel to open the season, assisted by Alo’s handwork on draws. He went 30-for-39 (76.9%).

Austin Danielson, Jr. – Southeastern Louisiana
In back-to-back wins over Tarleton State and Houston, Danielson racked up 14 goals and six dimes to kickstart the Lions 2020 campaign.

Taylor Fialkowski, Soph. – UC Irvine
The attackman followed up last week’s Dominant Performance of the Week with a 10-point effort, dropping six goals and four assists in the upset of No. 18 Loyola Marymount.

James Pierce, Jr. – Montana
The Grizzlies swept away Western Oregon and Southern Oregon on the road thanks to the attackman who combined for seven goals and a pair of helpers.

Hunter Rowe, Fr. – MSU Denver
The Roadrunners swept three games on their road trip to Stillwater, Okla., aided by Rowe’s performance at the dot. He went 40-for-44 (90.9%) in the three victories.