THE REAL BEAL

As Florida State established itself as a national contender, Katie Beal contributed to the team’s postseason mission. The defender played 11 career NCAA Tournament games, which included FSU’s incredible run to the College Cup Final Four in 2003, the first such appearance in program history. FSU dispatched Dartmouth in the first round and knocked out Auburn in a 2OT victory in the second round. In the Sweet 16, Beal scored a goal and assisted on the golden goal in double overtime as FSU downed No. 10 West Virginia. That set up a date with rival No. 8 Florida in the Elite Eight. Beal recorded another assist on D Kelly Rowland’s goal in the 57th minute as the Noles pulled ahead for a 2-1 victory. FSU advanced to their first College Cup Final Four appearance, ultimately falling to No. 18 UConn, yet the season was still one to remember. Beal led all Seminole defenders with a career-high 19 points (six goals, seven assists) and started in 25 of 26 games played. She was recognized as a member of the ACC All-Tournament Team and as a Third-Team All-American by Soccer Buzz for her breakout junior season.