The Ball State field hockey team will play an all-too familiar opponent today. Mid-American Conference rival Ohio visits Ball State with the Bobcats having won the previous 11 meetings.
"I think that the team is ready for a win," senior Chantelle Isaac-Smith said. "We're definitely going to try our best to go into the MAC with our heads up high and be ready for whatever comes our way."
Ball State (1-6) lost three games to Ohio last season, including a 3-1 defeat in the first round of the MAC Tournament. The teams will play at 3 p.m. today at BSU Turf Field.
Ohio (1-5) and Ball State share a lone win against Providence this season. The Bobcats haven't lost to the Cardinals since 2000.
The opening of MAC play will be a stark contrast for Ball State. None of the six conference schools enter this weekend with a winning record, after the Cardinals' previous seven opponents either received votes or were nationally ranked.
Central Michigan owns a league-best 3-3 record, while Kent State (0-7) and Missouri State (0-4) have yet to win. Akron has the most wins with five, but they also have seven losses to put them below .500.
The start of MAC play brings a whole new focus for the team.
"Absolutely, we need to focus on MAC," Isaac-Smith, a forward said. "That's our number one center of attention right now."
Ball State finished tied for fourth last year, losing its last four games. The team has goals of contending for the title this season.
"[Our goal is] to take it," sophomore Lauren Cruz said. "Put up a good fight and be in the top two definitely."
Head coach Annette Payne said the team started setting goals for this season in the spring.
"I think the team knows the goals and as an individual you take it one game at a time," she said. "And if you have to take it one half at a time, then you'll do that.
"Ultimately, it is to be very successful in the MAC."
The Cards started MAC play last year by winning their first three games, all at home.
"Playing on our home field, we have an advantage because we know how the surface is," Isaac-Smith said. "So [today] we'll definitely come out a lot harder and a lot stronger."
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