MSU’s Boland Named Player of Year
ATLANTA – Michigan State senior goaltender Kevin Boland has been tabbed as the MCLA Division I Player of the Year by a vote of the All-American committee.
Boland backstopped the Spartans to an 18-1 record and the title at the 2018 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour, which were held in Salt Lake City from May 7-12.
The Millstone Township, N.J., product allowed just 90 goals during the course of the season and did not allow double-digit goals the entire campaign, which culminated with tournament wins over Oregon, Virginia Tech, Brigham Young and top-ranked Chapman.
Boland posted a 65.3 save percentage for the season, and was named the tournament MVP at the conclusion of nationals. He was selected as the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association (CCLA) Defensive Player of the Year and was a first team all-conference selection. He was also tabbed First Team All-America.
“Kevin is someone who had an incredible senior year,” said Michigan State coach Cam Holding. “He came into every game focused and ready to be the anchor of our defense. You could always count on him to make the saves he should save and he constantly found ways to make the ones he shouldn’t.
“Our team rallied off of Kevin’s abilities and energy in the cage. He set the tone for our team by making big time plays, like the first shot of the game against BYU. I couldn’t be happier to see Kevin earn this award.”
In his three seasons with the Spartans, Boland made 324 saves while allowing just 178 goals for a 64.5 save percentage.