Arizona’s Hill Earns D-I Goalie of Week
ATLANTA – After stonewalling Santa Clara in the season opener on Saturday, Arizona sophomore Wyatt Hill has earned Pearl’s Goalie of the Week honors for the period ending Feb. 3.
In a grinder, Hill turned away 17 shots (70.8 save percentage) in an 8-7 victory against the Broncos.
The Scottsdale, Ariz., product saved his best stop for last as he gobbled up a low shot at the buzzer to keep the game from going into overtime.
Santa Clara would go an and upset No. 9 Grand Canyon the next day, 13-10.
"Wyatt has been talking all year about his desire to step up and be the best he can be at his position,” said Arizona coach Matt Blamey. “Talk is one thing, but he was able to back it up this weekend.
“We gave the game ball to the defense for their overall effort, however, without Wyatt on the back line, I'm not sure we get the same outcome. There is a reason that Wyatt was recently elected team captain as only a sophomore. We're very fortunate to have him in a Wildcat uniform. It's going to be fun watching his progress this season."
For his efforts in earning the Pearl’s Performance of the Week, Hill 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.
Guardian Pear Honor Roll
Peter Brydon, Sr. – UC Santa Barbara
The Gauchos lost a pair of one-goal games, but the senior combined for 41 saves, including an incredible 28 stops against No. 8 Cal.
Matt Lencioni, Jr. – Santa Clara
In a 1-1 week in the desert, Lencioni made 11 saves in a one-goal loss to Arizona before turning away 15 shots in the upset of No. 9 Grand Canyon.
Sam Snider, Sr. – Oregon
In a huge PNCLL matchup against Simon Fraser, Snider turned away 12 shots while allowing just five goals (70.6 sv%) in an 11-5 victory.