(Photo by Kallan Graybill)

ATLANTA – After backstopping Indiana to a huge win over a divisional rival and keeping a perfect season intact, Hoosier sophomore goalie Patrick Kenny has been named the MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 7.

With Indiana hoping to protect its unblemished record to this point in the season against a rugged Michigan State squad, the Port Washington, N.Y., product answered the bell.

He finished with 18 saves on the afternoon, with all of them being pivotal in the narrow, 11-10 triumph over the Spartans. The following day, Kenny made eight saves splitting time in a comfortable win over conference foe Western Michigan.

The victories keep the Hoosiers hopes of capturing the top seed out of the UMLC East alive. It will all come down to Saturday’s clash with archrival Purdue in West Lafayette.

“Patrick continues to play an instrumental role for us each and every week,” said Indiana coach Brent Balek. “Consistency is the word that comes to mind. He simply always performs at the highest level.

“Whether it’s a step-down shot or doorstep finish, he has the exceptional ability of tracking the ball and making the save. His energy, toughness and grit provides us an invaluable edge on game day.”

For winning the PEARL Goalie of the Week honor, Kenny 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 junior out of Hingham, Mass., combined for 42 saves and just 17 goals against – a 72.1 save percentage – in wins over South Carolina and UNH.

Hunter Chang, Sr. – Florida State
The Seminoles captured the stop seed in the SELC South by beating Florida, thanks to 17 stops from the Plantation, Fla., native.

Jahiem Fritts, Fr. – Arizona
The Wildcats took down No. 15 Cal Poly on the road thanks to 20 stops – a 71.0 save percentage – from the rookie out of Seattle.

John Hennessey, Jr. – Clemson
The Tigers lost in a shootout with Virginia Tech, but the Acton, Mass., product put it all on the line, finishing with 30 saves and a 60.0 save percentage.

Jake Hives, Jr. – Grand Canyon
In wins over UCLA and USC, the backstop out of Littleton, Colo., combined for 17 saves against just seven goals against – a 70.8 save percentage.

Jack Gaeger, Jr. – West Virginia
The Charleston, W.V., backstop turned away 17 shots in the Moutaineers’ 12-11 victory over archrival Pittsburgh. WVU is heading to the postseason.

Kyle Wolchok, Fr. – Oklahoma
The Sooners picked up a big win over Baylor thanks to 21 stops and a staggering 80.8 save percentage from the Columbus, N.J., native.