With a win over Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Tuesday the Ball State University field hockey team is now tied for first place in the Mid-American Conference. Ball State (6-9 overall, 5-2 MAC) defeated Miami (7-10 overall, 4-3 MAC) 3-1 thanks to three second-half goals.
The Cardinals have three games remaining before the MAC Tournament. The Cardinals are assured at least a share of the MAC Championship as long as they do not lose.
"We're in a great position now, we've got to take care of ourselves," coach Annette Payne said.
Payne says the team doesn't worry about what other teams in the MAC are doing, just what they do.
Two weeks ago the outlook for the field hockey team was different. The Cardinals had a record of 1-9 and had lost five straight games. In those first 10 games the Cardinals had just 10 goals but gave up 43.
However, during that time the Cardinals tried to stay positive. "We had faith, we believed," said Payne.
The Cardinals have turned the season around with a current five-game winning streak, their longest since 1999. In those five games, the Cardinals have almost tripled their goals per game with 14 scored. Meanwhile, they lowered their goals allowed per game from 4.3 to 1.6. Assistant coach Liz Sanders believes the team's turn-around is because of the way the Cardinals are playing together during matches.
"Confidence. Our kids are gaining a lot of confidence," Sanders said.
Going into the game against Miami Tuesday both teams were tied for second in the MAC, with the victor moving into a tie for first place.
"This was a win we needed to get," Payne said.
At the start of the second half neither team had scored. That changed early in the second half when senior forward Lindsay Quay scored a rebound goal off a Tara Reed shot. Quay finished the game with five shots, one goal and one assist.
The Cardinals added two more second-half goals. Sophomore Casey Hunsicker scored the second goal off a deflection, while senior Carla Chiampi scored the third and final goal. Reed had assists on the first two goals, while Quay had the assist on the final goal.
"We needed to get more aggressive in the second half," Sanders said. "We had to get some scoring opportunities and when we did we were able to capitalize on them."
Miami senior Dabielle Perrecone scored the Redhawks' only goal.
The Cardinals were able to win despite being out-shot 12 to 22 by the Redhawks. Freshman goalkeeper Caroline Lehman had 12 saves with numerous key saves in the second half.
"Both Caroline and our defense played their best game," Sanders said.
Ohio University and Ball State are tied for first place in the MAC. Ball State defeated Ohio 3-2 in their only meeting of the season Oct. 13th.
The Cardinals' final three games are against Central Michigan, Miami and Missouri State. The first of the three games will be at Central Michigan this Friday.
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