(Photo by Todd Kinney)

ATLANTA – After backstopping Montana State to a big rivalry victory, Bobcat junior netminder Ethan Zwickey is the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 31.

With third-ranked Montana State hosting No. 20 Montana in the annual Copper Cup battle, the Belgrade, Mont., native turned away 13 of the 15 shots that the Grizzlies landed on cage for a staggering 86.7 save percentage. With Zwickey between the pipes, Montana State own, 16-2.

For the season, Zwickey has 107 saves and a save percentage of 73.8.

"Ethan is the backbone of this squad and he embodies the Bobcat spirit,” said Montana State coach Chris Kelley. “EZ's a hometown kid that I have seen come up through Montana lacrosse since fifth grade and he loves this rivalry. He always brings something special to this game but his performance in the Copper Cup rivalry game against UofM on Friday was truly commanding, to say the least.

“He stood on his head when he needed to and guided our defense through the game with veteran leadership, kept everyone on task throughout our huddles and only got better as the game progressed. He bleeds blue and gold.”

As the recipient of the PEARL Goalie of the Week honor, Zwickey will receive a PEARL swag bag of goodies that will include PEARL lacrosse balls – the official ball of the MCLA.

PEARL Honor Roll

Jack Alfi & Zach Vlajk – Kennesaw State
The Owls duo combined for 13 saves and just three goals against (83.3 save percentage) as Kennesaw took down MCLA D-I Alabama.

Reece Knapp, Sr. – Wyoming
The Cowboys were able to post a dramatic overtime victory against Southern Utah thanks to 21 saves from the Conifer, Colo., product.