ATLANTA – After backstopping Utah Valley to a road upset of the top team in the country, Wolverine junior netminder Max Sturgill is the MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 17.

Utah Valley traveled to No. 1 Chapman on Thursday and thanks to Lehi, Utah, native’s 15 saves (75.0 sv%), the Wolverines stifled the high-flying Panthers, 6-5.

He also gobbled up three ground balls. For the season, Sturgill is saving 69.5 percent of the shots that are coming his way for the undefeated fifth-ranked team in the country.

“Max had an outstanding game this week,” said Utah Valley coach Brian Barnhill. “He made several diving saves, directed the defense so well and ran the clear so well.

“In pressure moments, Max raises his level of play. Sometimes, because we see it every practice, we as a team get used to his phenomenal play. His play Thursday against Chapman reminded us all how dominant at his position he really is.

“Max is an aggressive player who is not afraid to run the ball and attack on the offensive end. We saw him come out of the cage a couple of times on Thursday to attack on ground balls and disrupt an offensive pass. He ran the ball up on a few clears to then throw crisp clearing passes to open teammates. He is fearless and justifiably confident in his athleticism. We're fortunate to have him as a Wolverine.”

For winning the PEARL Goalie of the Week honor, Sturgill will receive a PEARL swag bag of goodies that will include PEARL lacrosse balls – the official ball of the MCLA.

PEARL Honor Roll

Kaelan Bonner, Sr. – Michigan State
In a pair of victories for the Spartans, the backstop out of Ann Arbor combined for 29 saves and just eight goals against – a staggering 7.84 save percentage.

Lucas Chu, Jr. – Cal Poly
The Morristown, N.J., followed up his Goalie of the Week performance by making 20 saves in the big win over No. 10 Cal.

Jake Hives, Jr. – Grand Canyon
The Littleton, Colo., netminder put the clamps on Washington, turning away 12 shots in the Lopes 12-5 victory (70.6 save percentage).

Riley Maguire, Sr. – Boise State
In his first career start in net at any level, the Mission Viejo, Calif., native made 13 saves to lead the Broncos to a 15-5 victory over Nevada.