ATLANTA – After teaming up to stonewall the top seed out of the RMLC Southeast, Utah freshman Nicholas Irving and junior Zach Tripp combined for MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 17.

Going up against the Air Force Academy, which is the top seed in the Utes’ rival subdivision within the conference, Irving – a Carlsbad, Calif., product – and Tripp – who hails from Agoura Hills, Calif. – teamed up to stymie the Falcons.

Irving stopped nine of the 13 shots that came his way while Tripp made 13 saves with just three goals allowed in the 15-7 win.

The two combined for 22 saves and seven goals allowed – a save percentage of 75.9.

“Having two starting-level goalies is one of the best problems you can have as a coach,” said Utah coach Kyler Banks. “It is very rare to have multiple goalies who can play at an elite level, and even more unlikely that they work together and both see the field.

“Lucky for us we have two guys who have fantastic chemistry and serve as the anchors of our defense. Time and time again, Tripp and Irving have risen to the occasion and stood tall in net to help the Utes secure some big wins.

“Both are leaders on the team, with Tripp being one of the team captains. Having the ability to seamlessly change goalies throughout the game provides a unique look and gives our team a lot of flexibility.

“As we head into the RMLC tournament, look for big performances out of Tripp and Irving to help carry the Utes through some tightly contested games.”

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, Irving and Tripp will share 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.