Georgia’s Hoffmann Named PEARL Recipient

(Photo by Bill Axley)

ATLANTA – After leading the Bulldogs to a clutch home victory and improving the team to 3-0, Georgia netminder Tucker Hoffman is the PEARL Goalie of the Week in Division I for the period ending Feb. 9.

Squaring off against an undefeated Florida outfit coming off a big road win over Tennessee, the Louisville, Ky., product put the clamps on the Gators. He finished with 15 saves as the Dawgs took the nailbiter, 8-6.

The former national champion with Division II Dayton posted a 71.4 save percentage. Hoffman has stopped 48-of-74 shots so far this spring for a 64.9 save percentage.

"Tucker has played lights out for us all season long, but truly brought his A-game on Saturday,” said Georgia coach Holin Axley. “It didn't matter who was shooting or where the shot was coming from, our entire sideline felt like he was going to make a save.

“This game could have easily been a shootout, but both goalies seemed hell bent on not letting that happen and every time we needed Tucker to come up big for us, he did. He's brought a wealth of talent and experience to our goalie room, but most of all he has become the team ‘Unc’ and is someone the young guys can look to on how to approach each week with a work-like mentality.

“As a coach it makes game preparation much less stressful when you know the commander-in-chief of your defense is breaking down film and doing all the things needed to bring a hard fought W come gametime, and we know we have that in Tucker. His teammates can't wait to continue to watch him lead the way for us the rest of the season.”

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

PEARL Honor Roll

Lucas Chu, Cal Poly
The senior had 10 saves and just three goals against in a victory over Santa Clara.

Jake Hives, Grand Canyon
Posted a 78.6 save percentage a the season opening win over Utah Tech.

Kyle Iamsuri, Florida
In a split weekend against Tennessee and Florida, the junior turned away 33 total shots.