(Photo by Jodi Vosika)

ATLANTA – After backstopping Cal State San Marcos to its first SLC championship, Cougars senior netminder Easton Bates is the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending May 1.

With San Marcos caught up in a first-half shootout with Loyola Marymount in the SLC semifinals, the Stockton, Calif., product came in and calmed the situation.

He finished with eight saves and just four goals allowed to guide the Cougars to an 18-13 victory.

In the title tilt against No. 13 UC San Diego, Bates got the nod and delivered again. He turned away 13 shots as San Marcos stunned the Tritons, 13-9.

With the win, the Cougars punched their ticket to the 2022 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance.

“Easton is passionate about being the field captain and head vocal communicator on the defensive end,” said Cal State San Marcos coach Wyatt Ehrhardt. “Throughout playoffs, his strong goalie play allowed our team to close many games out.

“Easton’s consistent play and leadership has been monumental to the Cougars success and winning their first ever SLC championship.”

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

Hunter Billings, Jr. – Rhode Island
The New Fairfield, Conn., native turned away 17 shots in the CLC championship game against a high-powered Bridgewater offense to collect the win.