(Photo by Lance Wendt)

ATLANTA – After backstopping Montana State to a pair of ranked victories on the road, Bobcat freshman netminder Ethan Zwickey has been named the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 6.

Montana State started the weekend at No. 3 Utah State and the Belgrade, Mont., native was on from the opening whistle. He finished with 17 saves while allowing just eight goals – a 68.0 save percentage – in the Bobcats 10-8 victory.

The next day, MSU ran up against No. 16 Northern Arizona and again Zwickey delivered. He finished with 14 saves along with five ground balls as the Bobcats won, 12-10.

For the weekend, Zwickey finished with 31 saves against 18 goals – a save percentage of 64.6.

"E.Z. has come a long way since I first saw him play here in Bozeman as a middle schooler,” said Montana State coach Chris Kelley. “This weekend was a great step for him and our defense as a whole. E.Z. showed a tremendous amount of resolve and focus against two ranked teams and some tough field conditions.

“He and our other goalie, Ryan Hockenbury, are the voices for our defense and they constantly push each other to perform at a top level, week in and week out.”

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, Zwickey 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.

Pearl Honor Roll

Zach Wollack, Sophomore – North Dakota State
In ranked wins over St. John’s and Bridgewater State, the Eagan, Minn., product combined for 23 saves against just 12 goals allowed (65.7 sv%).

Jonah Varallo, Freshman – Bridgewater State
The Bears split their weekend in Minnesota thanks to the Billerica, Mass., native. Varallo made a combined 36 saves in the two contests.