The Ball State University field hockey team is presented with some good news and some bad news in its seventh game of the season.
The bad news: The Cardinals' opponent today at 3 p.m. is No. 17 Ohio State, the seventh nationally ranked (or nearly ranked) team that Ball State has faced this season.
The good news: The game will be played at BSU Turf Field, the Cards' first home game this season.
"It's going to be great to play at home," head coach Annette Payne said. "The girls are ready for it."
Ohio State (5-2) has won its last four games. The Buckeyes have shut out two of their last three opponents and also beat Louisville in overtime, 4-3. Ball State lost to Louisville 5-1.
"It's a Big Ten school and a strong team, so we've got to play hard," Payne said.
Ball State (1-6) has managed one win on the road this season (Providence), equal to the total last year. The Cardinals had more success at home than on the road last season, winning three of their seven home games.
"It's good for the girls; it's important and a matter of representing the university," Payne said. "It's day in and day out where we practice hard."
One player who has stepped up her play this season is senior Chantelle Isaac-Smith. The Cardinals' leading scorer has put home six goals this season. Isaac-Smith was named Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday following a three-goal weekend.
"Chantelle is playing well," Payne said. "She's getting the ball inside the circle which is what she needs to do."
Although the Cardinals have just one win against the difficult opponents, Payne feels the team is capable of playing at a higher level.
"We've played a numerous amount of tough teams," Payne said. "But we're a fantastic team too. We have to make sure we put two halves together and step up."
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