Lacrosse Season Preview Series: Goalkeepers
TEMPE, Ariz. - With the 2022 Sun Devil Lacrosse season less than a week away, now is a good time to learn more about the 44 members of the program.
Who better to talk about the state of the program than someone who was just a part of it. Recent Arizona State graduate Hanna Schuler, who was a defender for the Maroon & Gold from 2018-21, has secured her Master's degree and is now working in Sun Devil Athletics while pursuing a career in the communications field.
To give Sun Devil fans some insight on the team, Schuler is providing a position-by-position breakdown of the 2022 team. Earlier in the preseason, she dove into the defensive and midfielder units. The series continues with a closer look at the goalkeeper room.
The loss of Berkeley Bonneau due to graduation means ASU will have to break in a new goalkeeper for the first time in program history. Bonneau had started 58 of the 60 games in Sun Devil Lacrosse history, putting together one of the best careers by any goalie in Pac-12 history. Bonneau finished with 576 saves, 25 wins, 202 ground balls, and 33 caused turnovers.
Arizona State does not lack candidates to replace Bonneau, as the roster features three talented goalies. Junior Lindsey Spies and Sophomore Flynn Murphy return after backing up Bonneau last year. Freshman Katie Vahle was a key part of a loaded 2021 signing class and has made an immediate impact since arriving in Tempe. Here is an outlook on the goalkeeper position:
SEASON PREVIEW: GOALIES
As a former goalie, Head Coach Tim McCormack spends a lot of time with this group, helping them improve their skill. Three Sun Devils are battling for playing time in the cage, bringing an energy and focus to preseason practices. When talking about the competition, McCormack revealed that he has been pleased with the way it has been handled.
"All three of our goalies have worked extremely hard every single day to get themselves ready," McCormack observed. "They are always out here taking extra shots before practice and pushing each other to get better."
The trio gives Arizona State several impressive options in net, all with the same goal in mind.
"They all want what is best for the team and to win," McCormack applauded. "They do a great job of pushing our attackers and midfielders in practice and making it really challenging for us to score."
Whoever ends up in net will have the luxury of playing behind an experienced and talented defensive unit. The goalkeepers and defenders have been working hard on communication and chemistry leading up to the season, something Coach McCormack is excited to see translate on Gameday.
"I think something that have been prioritizing is our defense," McCormack explained. "Minor things but that can make big differences. Some of those things, even more just mentality and taking ownership. I mean, Dorrien's (Assistant Coach Dorrien Van Dyke) done a phenomenal job with getting them ready to compete every play."
Lindsey Spies (Pasadena, MD)
Lindsey Spies returns to Tempe for her junior season. Spies has made a great impact on Sun Devil Lacrosse the past two seasons. As a freshman she played in 3 games, recording a season high of 5 saves on the road against No. 3 Northwestern. Continuing to improve, Spies finished her sophomore season playing in 4 games. Spies earned her first career start and was the goalkeeper of record in the victory against San Diego State.
Flynn Murphy (Matthews, NC)
Returning for her sophomore season, Flynn Murphy is eager to compete. Last season, Murphy made 2 appearances. During her appearance against Fresno State, Murphy earned one ground ball and faced 3 shots. Her positive attitude is contagious to her teammates and she works hard, allowing her teammates and herself the opportunity to improve.
Katie Vahle (Manorville, NY)
Joining Murphy and Spies in the goalie unit is freshman Katie Vahle. Vahle's athleticism and quick instincts help her stop goals and allow her to quickly clear the ball. She remains consistent during practice and has continued to improve her skills.