The first two games between the Ball State University and Miami University field hockey teams were extremely close. The third meeting in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament at Central Michigan was even closer.
Two overtime periods and a round of penalty strokes weren't enough to decide the game. Finally, in the second round of penalty strokes, Miami scored a goal to knock off the Cardinals, 3-2.
"They played a tremendous ball game," coach Annette Payne said. "It's a testament to how hard they played."
Following the second overtime, both teams sent five players to attempt a penalty stroke. Amanda Pavone and Lindsay Quay each connected on a goal for the Cardinals in the first shootout session, as Miami also scored twice.
Meredith Corradino scored the game-winning goal for Miami in the second round of penalty strokes, as all five Ball State attempts failed.
Payne said she wasn't disappointed that the game was decided on penalty strokes.
"It's how our sport is played," she said. "This is how it's done whether it's a hard way to lose or not."
Ball State beat Miami 1-0 in overtime at home during the regular season. The RedHawks also won at home, 1-0.
Thursday's tournament game was nearly decided in regulation. Miami held a 2-1 lead until Quay scored a goal with eight seconds remaining. Quay sent the ball into the goal off her own rebound shot, notching her 10th score this year.
Senior Lacey Morgan scored her first career goal in the first half to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead. Morgan, who made her fourth career start, scored the goal on a breakaway assist from Chantelle Isaac.
Senior goalkeeper Tracy Bannister made six saves for the Cards in 115 minutes, while Kerri Orr stopped 10 shots for Miami.
Ball State (4-14, 3-7 MAC) ended its season in the first round of the MAC Tournament for the third straight year.
"We had our share of ups and downs, our good times and bad times," Payne said. "The character of this team kept getting stronger and stronger. They represented the school and themselves well."
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