(Photo by Anna Scipione)

ATLANTA – After leading UC San Diego to a pair of Top 16 victories, Tritons junior netminder Haoxuan Cui has been named the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 27.

Cui, who goes by “Bill” to his teammates and coaches, started the week off against No. 16 UC Davis on Tuesday and he was critical for Tritons.

The Beijing, China, product turned away 12 of the 20 shots he saw (60.0 sv%) as UCSD posted the 12-8 victory.

No. 9 Montana rolled into town on Friday night and again Cui got the call. The Grizzlies led, 7-5 with just 20 minutes left in the game, but Cui shut the door. He blanked Montana the rest of the way, allowing the Tritons to pull out a late, 8-7 triumph.

He finished with 15 saves – good for a 68.2 save percentage.

On the week, he stopped 27 of 42 shots (64.3 sv%) that came his way against a pair of ranked teams.

"You know when you watch an athlete, in any sport, and it's obvious that they play every moment with pure joy? That's Bill," said UC San Diego coach Albert Man. "He's the heart of our team. He brings energy and enthusiasm to every game and practice.

“We are really fortunate to have Bill here setting a phenomenal example for two freshmen goalies learning from him.

“Montana is no doubt one of the best D-II teams in the country. Bill commanded the defense beautifully to give us a chance to come back and win that game."

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, Cui will receive 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.

Pearl Honor Roll

Ben Demchak, Fr. – Georgia Southern
The Eagles punched their ticket to the SELC tourney for the first time thanks to 19 saves (73.1 sv%) in the huge, 11-7 victory over North Florida.

Nicholas Meola, Soph. – Florida Atlantic
The Flemington, N.J., product led the Owls to two wins, making a combined total of 36 saves on 52 shots (69.2 sv%)

Samuel Schrade, Jr. – Dallas Baptist
Turned away 18 saves in a narrow loss to Texas A&M D-II while also stopping 19 more in two-goal setback against East Texas Baptist.