ASU’s Shah Tabbed PEARL Winner

(Photo by Jodi Vosika)

ATLANTA – After backstopping Arizona State to a Top 10 upset victory with conference tournament implications, Sun Devil junior netminder Aidan Shah has been named the MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 30.

Arizona State took on No. 6 San Diego State on Sunday and thanks to dominant performance by the Portland, Ore., native, the Sun Devils took home the 8-5 upset. Shah finished the afternoon with 23 saves – good for an 82.1 save percentage.

The previous day against No. 4 Chapman, ASU narrowly fell to the Panthers, 8-7, but Shah was still excellent, finishing with 15 saves and a 65.2 save percentage.

For the weekend, Shah turned away 38 shots while conceding just 13 – a save percentage of 74.5.

“Since arriving on campus in Tempe, Aidan has been the back bone of our defense,” said Arizona State coach Justin Straker. “He continues to make highlight reel saves look routine, and he has disguised many defensive flaws with his stellar performances. His game is at its best when the lights shine brightest and this weekend was no different.

“He gave us many chances to win versus Chapman and was one of the main factors in defeating San Diego State. He helped our man-down unit go five-for-five versus Chapman and two-for-two against San Diego State. With our at-large chances holding on by a thread, Shah stepped up when it mattered most.”

For winning the PEARL Goalie of the Week honor, Shah will receive a PEARL swag bag of goodies that will include PEARL lacrosse balls – the official ball of the MCLA.

PEARL Honor Roll

Kaelan Bonner, Sr. – Michigan State
The backstop from Ann Arbor accumulated 15 saves (75.0 save percentage) as the Spartans took down Western Michigan.

Lucas Chu, Jr. – Cal Poly
The Mustangs rolled up a pair of New England teams thanks to the Morristown, N.J., native, who combined for 30 saves against BC and UNH.