After scoring only a goal and three assists in the first 10games this season, senior forward Dee Nocero finally came up big atthe right time for the Ball State on Friday afternoon, in a 2-1 winat Toledo.
Scoring two unassisted goals, including the game-winner withless than three minutes remaining in regulation, Nocero led the wayfor the Cardinals (7-2-4 overall, 3-2-4 MAC) as they continue tofight for positioning in the MAC Tournament.
Nocero scored in the 27th minute when she won a free ball 30yards from the goal. With plenty of room to shoot, she scored overthe outstretched arms of Rockets goalkeeper, Jen Whipple.
Toledo responded in the 67th minute when Andrea Burtsher lobbeda pass over the Cardinal defense to Diana Ginley, who beat Cardinalgoalkeeper Alison Becker in a one-on-one situation. It was Ginley'sfourth goal and her eighth point of the season.
Five minutes before their lone goal, Whipple had to make anoutstanding save to prevent Ball State from getting a two-goallead, BSU coach Ron Rainey said. On the play, Amy Holst was on theinline and served the ball to Nocero, who took the shot.
The Cardinals controlled the ball much of the first half,holding a four-shot advantage heading into the half.
"I was really impressed with how we played in the first half,"Rainey said. "We did a nice job of moving the ball around andputting them under some pressure."
But the offensive pressure came from Toledo in the second half.After Ginley's goal, Rainey said the Rockets maintained thatoffensive pressure.
"They put us under pressure in the second half, but (ouroffensive production) carried over into the second half to give ussome repetitions," he said.
With just 2:16 remaining, Nocero scored after splitting a pairof defenders, putting the ball past Whipple on her fifth shot ofthe game.
Ball State outshot Toledo 12-9 for the game, including 8-7 inshots on goal. Both goalkeepers made six saves.
The Cardinals continue their road trip this weekend with a visitto Bowling Green on Sunday, where they'll face the Falcons (3-8-1overall, 1-3-1 in the MAC).
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
