An attacking and ball-controlling offense employed by the Ball State University field hockey team led to numerous scoring chances over the weekend. The Cardinals outshot their opponents 53-15, but only managed to score two goals and split the two games.
"We had great attacking opportunities," coach Annette Payne said. "We didn't finish at the cage, which is exactly what we needed to do. We had great opportunities, and we just didn't finish."
Ball State (2-9, 1-3 Mid-American Conference) captured its first conference win on Friday against Miami, winning 1-0 in overtime. The Cards fell 2-1 to Missouri State on Saturday, despite outshooting the Bears, 31-12.
Miami (6-7, 3-2 MAC) had only three shots compared to 22 for Ball State.
Chantelle Isaac scored the game winning goal eight minutes into overtime. Isaac and Lauren Cruz broke away from the pack towards the goal as Cruz drew Miami goalkeeper Kerri Orr from the goal and passed the ball. Isaac knocked the ball into the empty cage for her second game-winning goal this season.
Tracy Bannister earned her fifth career shutout. Her only save came in the second half.
"We just dominated the entire field," Isaac said. "We had accurate passes. We were quick to the ball. We listened to each other. We communicated. We were just on it.."
The Cards had numerous chances to score against Missouri State (2-11, 2-4 MAC), as 18 of their 31 shots were on goal.
"We just had to finish the ball," Payne said. "We had a million opportunities. We had to put the ball in the cage. And we didn't do it."
Joann Westman scored both goals for the Bears, including the game-winner with 12 minutes remaining in the game.
Isaac scored the Cards lone goal two minutes into the second half on an assist from Casey Hunsicker. It was Isaac's eighth goal of the season and Hunsicker's first career point.
Missouri State goalkeeper Kim Kinsella stopped 17 shots and leads the MAC in saves per game (16.88).
Midfielder Lacey Morgan said the Cards failed to carry over the momentum from the Miami win.
"It seems as if some of us aren't recognizing all the time when we have the opportunities," Morgan said.
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