USU’s Hoskins Earns PEARL Accolade

(Photo by Lance Wendt)

ATLANTA – After stepping up when his team needed him in a pair of Aggie victories, Utah State sophomore netminder Jackson Hoskins is the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 30.

Utah State matched up with a talented Northern Arizona team in Flagstaff on Sunday, but because of five critical players out of action due to injury, starting goalie Daniel VanKampen had to be moved out to long-stick midfielder and Hoskins was given the keys to the cage.

The Lumberjacks scored the first three goals of the game, but then then Kaysville, Utah, product found his rhythm, finishing with 20 saves as the Aggies pulled out the 9-8 victory.

The previous Friday, Hoskins came on in the second half against Southern Utah and made five stops in a 14-4 triumph. For the weekend, Hoskins posted 25 saves with just 10 goals against – a 71.4 save percentage.

“Jackson is the sort of player that shows up to every practice and very quietly does his job,” said Utah State coach Scott Bingham. “He's got an incredibly positive attitude, works hard and possesses a sharp lacrosse IQ.

“This weekend in Flagstaff when we really needed him to step up, he answered the bell. Jackson absolutely killed it. He put on a stellar performance; the sort that would make you question if he really was our backup. He saved us time and again, stealing away goals from a very talented NAU squad and even ran the full field to clear the ball by himself.

“Jackson made some truly jaw-dropping saves, pumping up our team and motivating our guys to match his insane plays. He was undoubtedly the hero of a hard-fought game that really demanded all of our boys to step up. I'm excited to see how he continues to develop as a player and I know that should the need arise, Jackson's got us.”

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

PEARL Honor Roll

Alexander Acker, Florida Atlantic
Posted 15 saves and a 65.2 save percentage in a big divisional victory over Tampa.

Sean Carroll, St. John’s
Johnnies swept Drury and WashU thanks to 68.8 save percentage for Carroll.

Michael Fett, Central Michigan
Saved 39 shots and registered a 75.0 save percentage in a pair of big wins.