FAU’s Meola Tabbed PEARL Winner

ATLANTA – Florida Atlantic traveled to Ohio and picked up three big wins, including a pair of ranked victories, led by senior netminder Nicholas Meola, who was named the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 24.

Florida opened the weekend against defending national champion and No. 11 Dayton on their home field, and thanks to the Flemington, N.J., product, the Owls walked away with the win.

He finished with 15 stops in the 10-7 victory, posting a 68.2 save percentage.

Meola was again between the pipes when FAU squared off with No. 18. He turned away 13 shots in the 11-8 triumph, good for a 61.9 save percentage.

For the season, Meola is 8-2 with a 66.0 save percentage.

“Nick has been a stellar player throughout the year, backstopping us to a 10-2 record thus far,” said Florida Atlantic coach Stavros Neocleous. “Nick has gotten better and better as the season has progressed, repeatedly proving himself on the brightest stages.

“Nick is an emotional leader and represents the fire and competitive spirit we want from all of our players. He backs that up with his play. When you are in competitive games with ranked opponents, Nick shines his brightest. That is what you need if you want to win big games.”

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

PEARL Honor Roll

Aidan Kelly, Sr. – Dayton
The backstop from Glen Ellyn, Ill., made 18 saves – a 69.2 save percentage – to lead the Flyers to a 13-8 victory over Minn.-Duluth.

Bostin Preisler, Sr. – Utah State
In a 2-1 week featuring a pair of ranked victories, the North Ogden, Utah, native combined for 36 saves and a 58.1 save percentage.

Connor Staley, Jr. – Florida Gulf Coast
The Eagles climbed within a game of .500, thanks to 21 saves and 75.0 save percentage in a victory over Georgia Southern.

William Wood, Soph. – East Texas Baptist
The Tigers picked up a one-goal win over Sam Houston State thanks to Wood, who turned away 22 shots for an 73.3 save percentage.