ATLANTA – After leading Clemson to a stunning Top 10 rivalry upset, Tiger senior netminder Matthew Gallitano has been named the MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 14.

Clemson hosted No. 9 South Carolina on Thursday evening and thanks to a stellar performance from the Sherborn, Mass., product, the Tigers were able to tame the Gamecocks, 9-4.

Gallitano finished the contest with 16 saves and just four goals allowed – a save percentage of 80.0 – to lead Clemson to the in-state rivalry victory.

“Thursday was Matt’s senior night and he stood up to the challenge and delivered one of the best performances of his career,” said Clemson coach Andrew Tobias. “Matt is one of those goalies that makes it look easy. We are always shocked at how nonchalant he makes difficult saves look.

“Matt steps up when we need him to and always performs at the highest level. He goes above and beyond to take full advantage of any and all opportunities given to him. When it’s time to play, Matt switches gears from a charismatic, easy-going young man to an elite goaltender who can stand with the best in the league.

“Matt cares deeply for this team and it shows every time he gets in the net. He is a model leader, teammate and a great person. As a coaching staff, we could not be prouder of him.”

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

PEARL Honor Roll

Sam Bellomy, Jr. – Northeastern
The Huskies held Minnesota in check thanks to the play of the Hingham, Mass., backstop, who finished with 14 saves and just three goals against.

Charlie Bibaud, Soph. – Colorado State
The Rams split over the weekend with the Los Gatos, Calif., product standing tall, making 34 saves and posting a 61.8 save percentage.

Sam Deney, Sr. – Connecticut
In a 1-1 weekend for the Huskies, the New Canaan, Conn., native combined for 29 saves and 14 goals against – a save percentage of 69.1.

Easton Wilkey, Fr. – Brigham Young
The rookie out of Orem, Utah, was superb in helping the Cougars sweep their Colorado trip, finishing with 36 saves and a 67.9 save percentage.

Nick Wright, Sr. – Texas A&M
The Aggies couldn’t take down Texas, but the Southlake product did his best, finishing with 28 saves and a 63.6 save percentage.