BACK TO THE WALL: Glenelg's goalie Katie Beaver (above) registered a 23-0 shutout of Saturday's Class 2A-1A state semifinal rival Rising Sun.
by Eboni Preston
(See video interviews and highlights below)
It’s usually uncommon for a lacrosse goalkeeper to hold off a complete game without letting in a goal.
It’s become almost unheard for any varsity goalie to complete a shutout, but for Glenelg goalie Katie Beaver, the feat was achieved —and in dominating fashion.
Beaver, a junior, posted seven saves for the Gladiators en route to a 23-0 win over Rising Sun High School in Saturday's 2A-1A state semifinal game at Reservoir High in Howard County.
Glenelg received strong contributions from every position on the field, including solid play from Beaver between the pipes.
“This was the first shutout of the season, and considering the timing, it was great,” said Beaver. “You always want to get a shutout because it’s such a confidence booster, and it really helps that we have so much momentum going into states.”
Since the fourth grade, Beaver has been drawn to the lacrosse field. She participated in the Howard County Recreation lacrosse program for two years before she decided to make a drastic position change.
“ I was young when I started playing goalie. In sixth grade, our coach asked us did anyone want to play goalie, and no one wanted to so I ended up stepping up and trying it out," Beaver said. "After playing goalie for a little while, I realized I loved it, and that it was the position for me.”
Now, at Glenelg, Beaver has matured into a seasoned keeper who has been a big part of the Gladiators' recent success. Beaver has stepped into a leadership role as the voice of the defense, and one of Howard County’s primiere goaltenders.
“The best part of being a goalie is the feeling of being such a big part of the game,” said Beaver. “You have so much to do with the big win or a big play. You are involved in everything, and you see everything.”
Beaver says that most of her improvements in the cage are from facing constant tough shooters, like high scorers, Alana Markwordt and Kristy Black, during practice.
Markwordt has scored 62 goals to go with 47 assists, and Black has 64, and, 53.
“Naturally, practicing with the team is tough. I’m exposed to higher-level shooting, and I get used to harder shots daily, but that makes me better,” said Beaver.
“Because I know how great my team can shoot, I’m always confident in them to create game-changing goals," Beaver said. "We really trust each other on both ends of the field.”
But being a goalie isn’t always glamorous said Beaver.
“Being a goalie is 80 percent mental. It’s a lot of pressure. I had to learn that you can’t dwell on a goal in the past," Beaver said. " You have to put each goal behind you and focus on the next one. That has been my biggest challenge because the mental game is so intense.”
Since she became a starter with the Glenelg lacrosse team, Beaver has learned to control her mental letdowns, and rely on her strong stick skills, as well as the authoritative defense in front of her.
And the Gladiators' shutout seems like a good place to start.
“ I’ve learned to trust in the defense, and they trust in me. When I got to varsity, I learned how to direct the players in front of me," Beaver said. "I became knowledgeable about my position and I’ve really figured out how to help my team anyway I can.”
The Gladiators look to feed off their strong showing in the state semifinal, but they know the next game will be much tougher.
Beaver and her defense will have their hands full facing a Loch Raven of Baltimore County team which exploded for 12 goals in its semifinal victory over Southern of Anne Arundel County.
But Beaver has faith that her team will come out ready to play.
“When we play together as a team, we are generally more confident, we are happier, and we just play better,” said Beaver. “We depend on each other and that’s when we play at our best, and that’s how we win.”