Coastal’s Patton Named Goalie of Week

ATLANTA – After leading Coastal Carolina to a three-game weekend sweep – including a pair of ranked wins – Chanticleer senior netminder Kyle Patton has been named the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 3.

Coastal Carolina opened the weekend with a Saturday doubleheader starting with No. 11 Kennesaw State. Thanks to 16 saves from the Bethlehem, Pa., native, the Chanticleers pulled the first upset of the weekend, 12-11, over the Owls.

Later on Saturday, Patton posted 15 saves – a 71.4 save percentage – as Coastal took down Miami, 17-7.

The weekend was capped off on Sunday when the Chants entertained defending national champion and No. 2 Dayton and Patton saved his best for last. He turned away 17 Flyer shots in Coastal’s 10-9 stunner.

In the three-game span, Patton made 48 saves while allowing just 27 goals – a combined save percentage of 64.0.

“Kyle was lights out all weekend and has been a stud for us all season,” said Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Riordan. “But his absolute refusal to lose is what made him dominant this particular weekend.

“He carried the team on his back with big saves at big moments being the leader we know him to be. He raised the level of compete for the whole team, myself included.”

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

PEARL Honor Roll

Gunner Arens, Jr. – St. Thomas
In nine quarters of action in a 3-0 weekend, the Stillwater, Minn., netminder combined for 29 saves and just 10 goals against – a save percentage of 74.4.

Noah Bruce, Fr. – Long Beach State
In his first collegiate start, the hometown kid made 16 saves in Long Beach State’s win over UC Irvine for a 64.0 save percentage.

Nicholas Meola, Sr. – Florida Atlantic
The Flemington, N.J., native was superb on the Owls trip to Minnesota, amassing 42 and posting a 70.0 save percentage in a 2-1 weekend.