Girls Lacrosse Goalie Sticks: Top 20 NCAA Division 1 Setups Analyzed

What are the preferred stick setups for top female lacrosse goalies. How do stick preferences differ between NCAA Division 1 teams. Which goalie heads dominate the field in women’s lacrosse.

Table of Contents

The Dominance of STX Eclipse 2 in Women’s Lacrosse

In the world of women’s lacrosse, the choice of goalie stick setup can make a significant difference in performance. An analysis of the top 20 NCAA Division 1 female lacrosse goalies reveals interesting trends and preferences. The STX Eclipse 2 emerges as the clear favorite among elite goalies, with 14 out of 20 opting for this particular head.

Why is the STX Eclipse 2 so popular? This head is designed specifically for female goalies, offering a wider face and a flatter scoop. These features provide a larger surface area for making saves and improved ball control when clearing. The durability and lightweight design of the Eclipse 2 also contribute to its popularity among top-tier players.

Other Goalie Head Choices

While the STX Eclipse 2 dominates the field, other goalie heads also find favor among elite players:

Under Armour Headline: 4 goalies
STX Shield: 2 goalies

The Under Armour Headline, chosen by goalies from Boston College, Loyola, Maryland, and Louisville, offers a unique design with a flared sidewall for improved shooting and passing accuracy. The STX Shield, used by goalies from Notre Dame and Jacksonville, provides a more traditional shape with a wide face for easier saves.

Mesh Preferences: Uniformity in Choice

When it comes to mesh, there’s a surprising uniformity across all 20 top goalies. Every single goalie in this elite group opts for 12 Diamond mesh. This consistency raises an important question: Why is 12 Diamond mesh the universal choice for these top performers?

12 Diamond mesh offers a perfect balance of hold, control, and release. It provides enough friction to catch and control the ball effectively, while still allowing for quick and accurate passes and clears. The consistency of 12 Diamond mesh across all skill levels makes it a reliable choice for goalies at any stage of their career.

Shaft Length: The Long and Short of It

The choice between a goalie-length shaft and an attack-length shaft can significantly impact a goalie’s play style and effectiveness. Among the top 20 NCAA Division 1 female goalies:

Goalie Length: 16 players
Attack Length: 4 players

The preference for goalie-length shafts is clear, with 80% of the elite goalies opting for the longer option. Goalie-length shafts provide extended reach, which can be crucial for making saves on high shots or when stepping out to challenge shooters. They also offer more leverage for long clearing passes.

However, the four goalies who choose attack-length shafts shouldn’t be overlooked. These players, including Madison Doucette from Northwestern and Sophia LeRose from Duke, likely prefer the increased maneuverability and quicker stick handling that shorter shafts provide. This choice may reflect a more aggressive, mobile style of goaltending.

Shooting String Setups: Variety in Configuration

The arrangement of shooting strings can significantly affect the pocket’s hold and release characteristics. Among the top 20 goalies, we see a diverse range of setups:

3 Straight Across: 5 goalies
1 Nylon, 2 U’s: 3 goalies
1 Nylon, 2 Straight Across: 2 goalies
2 Straight Across, 1 U: 2 goalies
2 U’s: 2 goalies
1 Nylon, 1 Straight Across: 2 goalies
Other configurations: 4 goalies (1 each)

This variety in shooting string setups demonstrates that personal preference plays a significant role in this aspect of stick customization. Each configuration offers slightly different performance characteristics, allowing goalies to fine-tune their sticks to match their playing style and preferences.

Analyzing Individual Setups: Standout Configurations

While trends emerge across the group, individual stick setups can provide insight into a goalie’s playing style and preferences. Let’s examine a few standout configurations:

Taylor Moreno – North Carolina

As the goalie for the top-ranked team, Taylor Moreno’s setup is worth noting:

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 3 Straight Across

This configuration represents a classic, balanced setup. The goalie-length shaft and three straight shooters suggest a focus on consistency and traditional goaltending techniques.

Madison Doucette – Northwestern

Madison Doucette’s setup stands out with its attack-length shaft:

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Attack Length
Shooters: 2 U’s and a nylon

This configuration hints at a more mobile, aggressive style of play. The shorter shaft allows for quicker stick handling, while the U-shaped shooters provide additional hold in the pocket.

Rachel Hall – Boston College

Rachel Hall opts for the Under Armour Headline, setting her apart from the STX Eclipse 2 majority:

Head: Under Armour Headline
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 1 V

This unique configuration, particularly the V-shaped shooter, suggests a focus on quick ball release and accurate clearing passes.

Comparing Women’s and Men’s Goalie Stick Preferences

When comparing the stick setups of top female lacrosse goalies to their male counterparts, several interesting differences emerge:

Head Choice: While the STX Eclipse 2 dominates in women’s lacrosse, men’s goalies show more variety in head selection.
Mesh: 12 Diamond mesh is universal among top women goalies, but men’s goalies sometimes opt for different mesh types or brands.
Shaft Length: A higher percentage of women goalies use goalie-length shafts compared to men.
Shooters: Women’s setups show more variety in shooter configurations than men’s.

These differences likely reflect the unique demands of each game, as well as variations in playing styles between men’s and women’s lacrosse.

The Impact of Stick Setup on Goalie Performance

How does a goalie’s stick setup influence their performance on the field? While individual skill and training are paramount, the right stick configuration can enhance a goalie’s natural abilities:

Reaction Time: A well-balanced stick with the right head and mesh combination can improve a goalie’s reaction time to shots.
Ball Control: The mesh type and shooter configuration directly affect how well a goalie can control the ball after making a save.
Clearing Ability: Shaft length and head choice play crucial roles in a goalie’s ability to make accurate, long-distance clearing passes.
Confidence: A comfortable, familiar stick setup can boost a goalie’s confidence, leading to better overall performance.

It’s important to note that while these elite goalies have found setups that work for them, young players should experiment with different configurations to find what suits their individual style best.

Evolution of Women’s Lacrosse Goalie Sticks

The current preferences in women’s lacrosse goalie sticks are the result of years of evolution in equipment design and playing styles. How have goalie sticks changed over the years?

In the early days of women’s lacrosse, goalies used wooden sticks with basic leather pockets. As the sport evolved, so did the equipment. The introduction of synthetic materials led to lighter, more durable sticks. Specialized goalie heads, like the STX Eclipse, revolutionized the position by offering larger catching surfaces and improved ball control.

Recent years have seen further refinements, with heads like the STX Eclipse 2 and Under Armour Headline incorporating advanced materials and designs to enhance performance. The universal adoption of 12 Diamond mesh among top goalies represents a convergence on an optimal balance of hold and release.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations in women’s lacrosse goalie sticks, potentially leading to new trends in stick setups among elite players.

Customizing Your Goalie Stick: Lessons from the Pros

For aspiring goalies looking to optimize their stick setup, what lessons can be drawn from the preferences of these top NCAA Division 1 players?

Consider the STX Eclipse 2: Its popularity among elite goalies suggests it’s a solid choice for players at any level.
Try 12 Diamond mesh: The universal choice among top goalies indicates its effectiveness across various playing styles.
Experiment with shaft length: While goalie-length shafts are more common, don’t rule out attack-length options if they suit your style.
Customize your shooters: The variety of shooter setups among top goalies shows there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Don’t be afraid to be different: While trends exist, some top goalies buck these trends with unique setups. Your optimal configuration might not match the majority.

Remember, the best stick setup is one that feels comfortable and enhances your natural abilities. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your setup as you develop as a player.

As the world of women’s lacrosse continues to evolve, so too will the equipment used by its top players. By staying informed about the preferences of elite goalies and understanding the reasons behind these choices, players at all levels can make more informed decisions about their own equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned college player or a newcomer to the sport, the right stick setup can be a valuable asset in your journey to becoming a top-tier lacrosse goalie.

Lacrosse Goalie Stick Setups: 2021 Female NCAA Division 1 Top 20

By Coach Damon

Two weeks ago we took a look at the stick setups of the goalies for the top 20 ranked teams on the men’s side. In this post, we’ll do the exact same thing for the female goalies. I’m super curious to see how the female stick setups compare.

The list of Top 20 teams was taken from Inside Lacrosse ranking as of April 21th, 2021. By the time you read this post the current female lacrosse top 20 might look very different as it continues to shape and morph all season long.

But as of right now, here are the top 20 teams, their goalies, and those lady goalie’s lacrosse stick setups.

Just like the men’s post I’m going to add in the shooting string setup because I find that fascinating.

A lot of people want to know which mesh they use and unfortunately just by looking at photos it’s tough to determine. Mesh Dynasty is about the only one you can tell because of their unique colors. Otherwise, the all white mesh all look alike.

In all honesty, I watch way more men’s lacrosse than women’s lacrosse so if you see any mistakes in this post, please leave me a comment down below.

Let’s get into it!

2021 NCAA Female Lacrosse Goalie Stick Setups

1. North Carolina – Taylor Moreno

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 3 Straight Across

2. Northwestern – Madison Doucette

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Attack Length
Shooters: 2 Us’ and a nylon

Cool article in US Lacrosse Magazine about Madison.

3. Syracuse – Asa Goldstock

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 3 Straight Across

Did you see this sick save from Asa Goldstock?

4.

Boston College – Rachel Hall

Head: Under Armour Headline
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 1 V

5. Stony Brook – Kameron Halsall

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 2 U’s, 1 Straight Across

6. Notre Dame – Bridget Deehan

Head: STX Shield
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Attack Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 2 Straight Across

7. Duke – Sophia LeRose

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sophia LeRose (@sophialerose)

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Attack Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 2 U’s

8.

Virginia – Charlie Campbell

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 2 Straight Across, 1 U

9. Jacksonville – Addy Tysdal

Head: STX Shield
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 2 U’s

This seems to be the only photo of Addy available on the internet with a goalie stick and I can’t quite tell what that head is. Pretty sure it’s an STX Shield.

10. Florida – Sarah Reznick

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ✮ S A R A H ✮ (@sarah_reznick)

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 2 Straight Across

11.

Drexel – Zoe Bennett

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 1 Straight Across

12. Loyola – Kaitlyn Larsson

Head: Under Armour Headline
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 2 U’s

13. Stanford – Kara Rahaim

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 3 Straight Across

14. Denver – Amelia Cole

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by amelia (@ameliagracecole)

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 1 Straight Across

15.

Maryland – Emily Sterling

Head: Under Armour Headline
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Attack Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 1 Straight Across, 1 V

16. Johns Hopkins – Kathleen Garvey

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 3 Straight Across

17. Louisville – Rachel Florek

Head: Under Armour Headline
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 2 Straight Across, 1 V

18. Richmond – Megan Gianforte

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 2 Straight Across

19.

Rutgers – Alonna Gliksman

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rutgers Women’s Lax (@rutgerswomenslacrosse)

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 3 Straight Across

20. Arizona State – Berkeley Bonneau

Head: STX Eclipse 2
Mesh: 12 Diamond
Shaft: Goalie Length
Shooters: 1 Nylon, 2 Straight Across

Conclusion

There you have it – 20 female NCAA Division 1 starting goalies, 20 stick setups. Let’s recap the numbers.

Head:

STX Eclipse 2 – 14
STX Shield – 2
Under Armour Headline – 4

Mesh:

12 Diamond – 20

Shaft:

Attack Length – 4
Goalie Length – 16

Shooters:

3 Straight Across – 5
1 Nylon, 2 U’s – 3
1 Nylon, 2 Straight Across – 2
2 Straight Across, 1 U – 2
2 U’s – 2
1 Nylon, 1 Straight Across – 2
1 Nylon, 1 U – 1
1 Straight Across, 2 U’s – 1
2 Straight Across – 1
1 Nylon, 1 Straight Across, 1 U – 1

My theory that the STX Eclipse 2 is the industry standard in goalie heads right now holds water on the women’s side too. 14 out of the top 20 goalies go with the Eclipse 2.

Interesting to see that 4 goalies go with the Under Armour Headline. No goalies on the male side choose to use this head.

Two lady goalies go with the STX Shield to round out the top 20.

All 20 goalies go with 12 diamond mesh. Clean sweep for the 12 diamond.

Most goalies choose the goalie length shaft which is slightly longer than attack shaft. Although from these pics I saw 4 goalies who use just a normal field player attack shaft for their wand.

In terms of the shooting strings setup, you can see there is a lot of variety.

The most common setup is 3 shooters straight across. 1 Nylon with 2 U’s was also pretty popular.

What’s your goalie stick setup? Leave a comment down below

Until next time! Coach Damon

As always, if you think I messed up on any of these goalies, leave me a comment down below so I can get it fixed.

Maryland women’s lacrosse blows late lead, ends season with 15-14 loss to James Madison

James Madison freshman Caitlin McElwee had little experience — with just 5 career goals — before she rolled softly toward the Maryland goal. But she looked completely unfazed flashing her stick and staring down Maryland women’s lacrosse goalie Emily Sterling.

McElwee caught the pass and extended her arms away from the closing defender, flicking a shot that bounced up and over Sterling.

The tally marked the fifth straight James Madison goal and the second straight Maryland season to end in a comeback postseason defeat after last year’s Final Four loss to Boston College last where it surrendered four unanswered goals in the final seven minutes in a one-goal defeat.

James Madison topped Maryland in Harrisonburg Sunday, 15-14. The Dukes scored five times in the final 6:21, stunning a Maryland team that led for all but the last 2:04 of the second half.

After making eleven consecutive Final Fours, the Terps have been bounced in the second round twice in the last three years, the quickest exits in coach Cathy Reese’s tenure.

“A tough loss for the Terps. I’m proud of our team’s effort in a game that came down to the wire and really could’ve gone either way. Hurts to lose,” Reese said. “… We had a four-goal lead in the fourth quarter … and then a couple of draws went their way and a couple shots went in and I think you just start to get caught back on your heels.”

James Madison couldn’t have asked for a better start to Sunday’s game. Maryland had a strong first defensive possession, but after over a minute of nothing, Lizzy Fox isolated at the top and got a shot past Emily Sterling after a dodge.

[Former Hereford teammates to face off in Maryland, James Madison women’s lacrosse matchup]

The Dukes added their second score on their second shot less than two minutes later. Tewaaraton finalist Isabella Peterson face dodged to her left hand and couldn’t be denied. It was the start of a monstrous day for Peterson, who scored on seven of her eight shots and added two assists.

But the Terps began to respond from there.

Shannon Smith put the Terps on the board midway through the first quarter, sneaking by the James Madison defender with a cut before catching and finishing off a pass from Eloise Clevenger.

It took over five minutes for Maryland to score again.

The tally came from Shaylan Ahearn, who ran in transition and dodged left before firing a shot across James Madison goalie Kat Buchanan and into the back of the goal. She scored another 35 seconds later off a Chrissy Thomas assist to give the Terps a 3-2 lead with 1:44 left in the quarter.

Maryland couldn’t hold that lead through the quarter, though, as the Dukes evened the game up with 14 seconds left to enter the second tied at three apiece.

The teams were similarly evenly matched in a high-scoring second quarter that featured nine scores. Neither team managed to grab a multi-goal lead at any point and the Terps entered the half with an 8-7 lead.

Kori Edmondson led the Terps with three goals in the quarter. The hattrick came after a quiet previous five previous games where the freshman tallied just four scores on 23 shots.

Peterson scored a pair for the Dukes to secure a hat trick in the first half. After her second gave James Madison a one-goal lead, Hannah Leubecker notched the first of her team-high four goals on the day, sneaking a bounce shot past Buchanan. She’d get her second tally soon after.

[Emily Sterling saves nine shots as Maryland women’s lacrosse advances past Drexel, 11-6]

Edmondson and Leubecker accounted for all five of the second-quarter goals that carried the Terps to their halftime lead.

While James Madison began the first half hot, it was all Maryland to begin the second.

Libby May scored her first goal of the day at the 12:53 mark in the third quarter before Fox answered less than 30 seconds later. That would be the only Dukes score of the quarter as the Terps’ defense clamped down.

Peterson answered to halt the Terps’ momentum.

The James Madison star came screaming through the middle. Though the Maryland defense collapsed around her, she finished through the contact and drew a yellow card.

The goal counted and James Madison kept possession because of the penalty. Peterson scored her fifth of the day with a player up to cut the Terps’ lead to two.

But Maryland fended off the Dukes with two quick goals from Chrissy Thomas and Libby May that pushed the lead to 14-10 with 9:18 on the clock.

Peterson began the Dukes run by scoring off a free position chance with under seven minutes remaining. Freshman Maddie Epke added another score less than a minute later.

The teams had traded pairs of goals before but this time was different. Maryland failed to score again while James Madison notched three more to win.

“Only one team’s season ends in a win at the end of the day, so it’s tough,” Reese said. “.We just talked about how this can’t define our growth this season. We have gone through a lot … I’m grateful for every minute that we’ve had to spend together because they’re all just amazing people.”

Bauer, CCM, Warrior,.. || Hockey Point

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The stick is an important element of the goalkeeper’s equipment and is used to hit the puck, pass and control the game. In this section, we will look at the main features of goaltending sticks and offer advice on choosing the right equipment.

Materials: Goalie sticks can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, composite and foam. Each material has its own characteristics in terms of weight, strength and shock absorption.
Size and Curve: Goalie sticks come in a variety of sizes and curves to suit different ages and levels of play. Consider your height, weight and playing style when choosing a stick.
Blade: The blade of a goaltender’s stick is usually wider than the player’s, allowing better closing and hitting. Choose a club with a paddle that suits your size and shape.
Weight: The weight of the club affects maneuverability and control. A lighter stick can provide fast movement but may be less durable, while a heavier stick provides more strength but may be less manoeuvrable.
Manufacturers: Choose from trusted brands such as Bauer, CCM, Warrior, Sher-Wood and more that have proven themselves in professional hockey.
Budget: Club prices may vary depending on the material, size and quality of the equipment. Consider your budget and playing experience when choosing a stick.
Safety Standards: Sticks must meet safety standards set by international sports organizations such as the IIHF and NHL.
Care and Maintenance: To prolong the life of your club, inspect it regularly for dirt and moisture, check for cracks and damage, and replace as needed.
1. Try on Before Buying: If possible, try on a stick before buying to determine if it fits and fits you in terms of size, weight and curve. This will help to avoid inconvenience and problems in the future.
2. Testimonials and Tips: To help you choose a stick for your goaltender, read reviews from other players and consult coaches for recommendations on the right equipment.
Choosing the right stick for a goaltender is essential to agility, control and safety on the ice. Evaluate all available options, consider your level of play, budget and equipment requirements to find the most suitable stick to help you achieve success in hockey.

Bauer, CCM, Warrior,.. || Hokeja Pasaule