San Marcos’ Bates Earns PEARL Award

ATLANTA – After leading Cal State San Marcos to a thorough victory over a Top 5 squad, Cougars senior netminder Easton Bates is the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 26.

Hosting No. 3 Montana last Tuesday, the Stockton, Calif., was a wall, turning away 15 shots as the Cougars rolled to a 15-5 victory.

For the season, Bates has stopped 61 of the 96 shots that have come his way for a 63.5 save percentage.

“Easton Bates is an absolute stud between the pipes,” said Cal State San Marcos coach Wyatt Ehrhardt. “As the game goes on, you can tell the ball becomes more and more visible.

“He commands his defense with authority and can turn defense into quick offense in a blink of an eye. We are fortunate to have Easton on our squad, and excited to see him heat up this second half of the season.”

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

Jack Church & Gavin McDonough – Wake Forest
The Deacons goalie platoon combined for 40 saves and 13 goals allowed in wins over Kennesaw and Coastal Carolina.

Cody Seaman, Soph. – UNC-Charlotte
In a split weekend for the 49ers, the Fuquay Varina, N.C., native posted a 70.1 save percentage against FGCU and Bridgewater.

Grant Shafer, Sr. – Florida Gulf Coast
In wins over Bridgewater State and Charlotte, the New Lenox, Ill, native combined for 31 saves and just eight goals against (79.5 save percentage).