The women's soccer team swept what head coach Ron Rainey said was the most important weekend in the program's short four-year history, defeating both the University at Buffalo and defending Mid-American Conference champion Ohio University. It was the first time that Ball State has defeated either of those teams, and the wins moved the Cardinals into second place in the MAC.
"Without a doubt, this is the biggest win in our program's history," Rainey said on Sunday's win over Ohio. "When you look at where this program was, from eighth place last year to 5-1 in the league halfway through this season, it's very exciting. This was a great team win against a very good and respected Ohio team that will be at the top come the end of the season."
In Sunday's match, Eileen Weinheimer struck first to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead early in the second half. It was her 19th career goal, the most ever by any Ball State player. Sophomore Chelsea Cole was credited with the assist on the play.
Dee Nocero tacked on the Cardinals second goal, which came from a corner kick 10 minutes before the end of the match. The game ended with the Cardinals ahead 2-0.
Goalkeepers Megan Swafford and K.D. Moreland combined for the shutout.
"Sunday games are usually about players mentally being able to finish chances," Rainey said. "You don't get many chances in soccer, and when Eileen got her chance, she finished it. I think it's fitting that one of our seniors, one who has helped this program develop so much, scored the winning goal."
On Friday, the Cardinals defeated Buffalo by a count of 2-1.
The match went scoreless through the first half until sophomore Kate Nadalin scored with less than two minutes to go. It was her fourth goal of the season.
Early on in the second half, Nocero scored her fourth of the season to put the Cardinals up 2-0. Megan Maul of Buffalo scored 10 minutes after Nocero's goal for Buffalo's lone score.
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