MSU’s Knickerbocker Named PEARL Winner

(Photo by Naish Kellmeyer)

ATLANTA – After backstopping the Bobcats to a pair of ranked victories, Montana State freshman netminder Calvin “Drew” Knickerbocker is the MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending April 13.

Montana State traveled to Glendive, Mont., for a pair of neutral site games, starting with a clash against No. 16 Denver on Saturday afternoon. Thanks to a dozen stops and a 66.7 save percentage from the Sherwood, Ore., product, the Bobcats recorded the 11-6 triumph.

On Sunday, No. 13 North Dakota State was on the docket. Knickerbocker turned away another 14 shots as Montana State posted a narrow, 10-8 victory. For the weekend, the rookie amassed 26 saves against 14 goals against – an impressive 65.0 save percentage against ranked competition.

“Drew has stepped in and stepped up for us,” said Montana State coach Chris Kelley. “Losing a high-caliber goalie like [Ethan] Zwickey was a big question mark for us leading into this season. Drew has really improved since the fall and has brought the goalie unit as a whole to a good spot for the future.

“With three freshmen – including Knickerbocker – and sophomore [Jackson] Griffing, the energy of our goalies has been awesome to see develop and I’m excited to see how it goes. The other guys are gunning for him, but celebrate him and Ben more between the pipes. They are a special group of netminders.

“Drew is a pretty quiet guy off the field and tenacious on the field. His big saves come at big times and you can see his confidence growing as we seek the highest competition. He stands tall and sacrifices his body even despite a nagging injury. I’m proud of him and of our team so far this year, but we are far from done.”

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

PEARL Honor Roll

Cam Cohen, Western Washington
Stopped 18 shots in a 9-6 victory over Central Washington with the team decimated by injuries.

Michael Fett, Central Michigan
Turned away a combined 46 shots in a split weekend against Division I competition.

Caleb Frey, Arizona Christian
Made 18 saves and allowed just nine goals to lead ACU to its first win over Northern Arizona.