Montana’s Cortner Earns PEARL Award

ATLANTA – After averaging nearly 30 saves for the Grizzlies against a pair of ranked opponents, Montana sophomore netminder Joey Cortner has been named the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 6.

Montana opened the weekend on Friday night against No. 11 College of Idaho in Missoula and the Spokane, Wash., native was on his game from the jump. He finished with 19 saves as the 14th-ranked Grizzlies pulled off the 9-4 victory.

On Saturday, No. 4 Northwest Nazarene visited and Cortner put on a performance for the ages despite taking the loss. At the end of the 12-8 setback, Cortner had accumulated a staggering 40 stops. The number is a Montana single-game record.

In the two games, Cortner totaled 59 saves against just 16 goals against – a 78.7 save percentage.

“Joey has become the leader and keystone of our defense and has the ability to play the game at another level than everyone else,” said Montana coach Tucker Sargent. “Joey is the MVP of our team and works so hard on and off the field that you can't help but respect him and, oftentimes, be in awe of him.

“I just consider myself lucky that he loves this program and his teammates as much as he does. When guys watch him play, it motivates everyone. What else can I say? You just consider yourself blessed when a guy like this chooses to play for you.”

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

PEARL Honor Roll

Alex Acker, Florida Atlantic
Posted 20 saves while allowing just six markers as the Owls rolled past No. 18 Miami.

Keegan Greene, Grand Valley State
Had 37 saves and just 17 goals against – a 68.5 save percentage – in three big victories.

Cubby Mentkowski, Miami
Stood tall for a 28 saves in a conference loss to third-ranked Florida Atlantic.

Jonah Varallo, Bridgewater State
Had 39 saves in big conference victories over Rhode Island and Maine.