The women's golf team finished 16th out of 17 teams in Arizona at the Rio Verde Invitational. Kallie Harrison was the top finisher for Ball State in a tie for 63rd place.
Coach Katherine Mowat said she didn't know why Ball State University struggled to a low finish.
"I really don't know if I could pinpoint how or why we finished so poorly," Mowat said. "Most teams were in the same situation as us coming from Midwest."
Ball State had a 972 score for the three-round tournament. Northwestern won the meet by shooting an 889 team score.
Mowat said the Cards will put their first tournament behind them and are focused on their upcoming schedule.
"We have a very good, talented team," Mowat said. "I don't think we will dwell on that. It's very disappointing, but it's over with."