USU’s Blamires Earns PEARL Award

ATLANTA – After leading Utah State to a Top 10 road victory, Aggies senior netminder Zach Blamires is the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending Feb. 19.

Eighth-ranked Utah State took the five-hour drive from Logan to Caldwell to take on No. 6 College of Idaho on Friday evening. Thanks to 11 saves and just three goals allowed from the Woods Cross, Utah, product, the Aggies walked away with the one-goal triumph.

The following day against Division I Boise State, Blamires turned away 17 shots in a narrow defeat at the hands of the Broncos.

“Zach is probably the best kept secret of Utah State lacrosse,” said Utah State coach Scott Bingham. “He’s been the backup to some of the best goalies to come through the Aggie program and it’s finally his time to shine.

“When Zach is in cage, our defense can ball out knowing he’s going to keep the gate shut. He made some huge saves against College of Idaho and made an immediate impact when he rotated in versus Boise State.”

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

Easton Bates, Sr. – Cal State San Marcos
The Cougars stifled No. 25 Air Force thanks to 16 saves (69.6 save percentage) from the Stockton, Calif., native.

Grant Shafer, Sr. – Florida Gulf Coast
In a gritty, 7-5 victory over D-I South Florida, the Lenox, Ill., native turned away 18 shots (78.3 save percentage).

Zach Wollak, Jr. – North Dakota State
The Bison took down No. 16 Minn.-Duluth thanks to 21 stops (67.7 save percentage) by the Eagan, Minn., product.

Jacob Wong, Soph. – College of Idaho
In a one-goal loss to Utah State, the Meridien, Idaho, product made 11 saves against eight goals allowed for the Yotes.