After nearly upsetting a nationally ranked team last weekend, the Cardinals were hoping to use that game as momentum for their next match.
What they got was the exact opposite.
The Ball State University field hockey team lost to Pacific University 5-3 yesterday, as the Cardinals were defeated at home for the fourth straight game.
"We have to be prepared and come ready to play hard the whole time and we didn't come ready today," forward Tara Reed said. "We didn't play for 70 minutes, we didn't play as a unit and we didn't play Ball State field hockey."
Pacific forward Vianney Campos scored the Tiger's first goal less than five minutes into the game, with the Cardinals allowing four goals in the first half.
With that goal, Campos now leads Pacific with eight goals and 18 points despite the Cardinals holding her to a season-low one shot on goal.
"It tells you where your team is against an opponent, which you should know if you have done your homework," coach Annette Payne said. "We weren't ready to play these guys today and you could tell within the first five minutes."
Pacific would score another goal early in the second half, as the Cardinals gave up a season-high five goals.
Dating back to last season, this was the first time in 15 games that Ball State has allowed more than four goals in a single contest.
"We're all angry with the loss and I know that we can do better," forward Brooke MacGillivary said. "We are a talented team and we just didn't come out today."
Defensively, the Cardinals were without back-fielder Jodi Mann for the game. Mann was serving a one-game suspension after she received a red card in Ball State's match against Indiana University last Saturday.
"In a situation like this you just have to play for that player," Payne said. "[Mann] is a big part of our defense and you make some adjustments but we got through it and just need to move on."
Despite out-shooting Pacific 17-15, MacGillivary scored the Cardinals' lone goal in the first half and Ball State only scored two goals in the second half after Pacific led the game 5-1.
In addition the Cardinals were 0-12 in converting penalty corners before Reed scored on the Ball State's 13th attempt with one second remaining in the game.-รก
With this loss the Cardinals remain winless this season and have now been outscored 15-8 in the first four games of their five game home-stand.
"There is a lot that goes into winning a game," Payne said. "It's frustrating because we want a win but you have put in the effort and energy to get the win and I know this team wants to win but it has to be an earned win."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
