URI’s Billings Earns PEARL Nod

ATLANTA – After backstopping Rhode Island to an emphatic victory over a Top 10 squad, Rams senior netminder Hunter Billings has earned MCLA Division II PEARL Goalie of the Week honors for the period end March 12.

Rhode Island hosted No. 7 Grand Valley State on Friday afternoon and the New Fairfield, Conn., stopper was on point. Billings made 19 saves against just nine goals allowed – a 67.9 save percentage – to secure the 15-9 win.

“Hunter Billings was great in between the pipes all night long,” said Rhode Island coach Larry Madeira. “There was a point in the game where Grand Valley State had an opportunity to make a run, but he made two or three saves in a row that stifled any momentum they had.

“He played as much of a role in the win on Friday as anybody else. We're lucky to have him on our team.”

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, Billings 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

Jake Downing, Sr. – MSU Denver
Playing against the Nos. 3 and 4 teams in the country on the road, Downing combined for 53 saves to keep the Roadrunners competitive.

Louis Penaflor, Jr. – Northern Arizona
The shot-stopper from Huntington Beach brushed aside 24 shots for the Lumberjacks for a 64.9 save percentage against Loyola Marymount.

Cody Seaman, Soph. – UNC-Charlotte
The Fuquay Varina, N.C., netminder turned away a dozen shots, helping the 49ers cruise past Elon.

Nate Welcomer, Sr. – Saint Mary’s
The Gaels were able to stifle the Chico State offense helped by the work of the Lafayette, Calif., native who finished with 19 saves.