ATLANTA – After stonewalling a ranked opponent to pick up a key win, St. John’s freshman netminder Jake McCarthy has been named the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 3.

With Johnnies entertaining No. 16 Minn.-Duluth, the Bloomington, Minn., product was sublime. He finished with 18 saves against just four goals against – a staggering 81.8 save percentage – as St. John’s took home the 8-4 upset.

On Saturday, McCarthy ran up against a powerful Grand Valley State team, and the seventh-ranked Lakers took home a 12-6 win, but McCarthy was still stalwart. He made 22 saves in the contest for a save percentage of 64.7.

For the weekend, he made 40 saves against 16 goals against, good for a combined save percentage of 71.4.

“Jake has been the backbone of the team,” said St. John’s coach Derek Daehn. “Against UMD, he held a potent offense to only four goals and only one of which being settled sixes. We know with Jake we always have a chance, regardless of the opponent.”

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, McCarthy 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

Gunner Arens, Fr. – St. Thomas
The Stillwater, Minn., native made 18 saves – including 12 in the pivotal second half – to help the Tommies rally past Missouri State.

Jake Downing, Sr. – MSU Denver
The Roadrunners roared past Dallas Baptist, 15-4, thanks to 18 saves by the Denver, Colo., product.

Grant Shafer, Jr. – Florida Gulf Coast
The New Lenox, Ill., product combined for 34 saves, along with six ground balls and two caused turnovers in a pair of one-goal wins.