The Ball State University field hockey team split two games over the weekend to open the 2007 season.
The Cardinals beat Villanova University 3-2 in overtime Saturday when sophomore forward Brooke MacGillivary beat Wildcats' goalkeeper Maura McCormick eight minutes into the extra period. The goal was her second of the game.
"The one goal she can remember the most was in overtime," coach Annette Payne said. "She stepped up, and that was fantastic."
Villanova, who had won eight of their previous nine home games, ended the 2006 season ranked in the nation's top-20 rankings.
"Across the board, the team played really well," Payne said. "We had people stepping up constantly."
In the Sunday game, La Salle University scored two goals in six minutes in the second half to break open a one-goal game and defeat the Cardinals 3-0.
"We got flustered when things went wrong," goalkeeper Tiffany Shifflett said. "La Salle had a solid senior goalkeeper, and it was hard at times to bring everyone up together."
Ball State went with Shifflett in goal after a position battle with freshman Christina Niccum. Shifflett played every minute of both games for the Cardinals and recorded 21 saves on 26 attempts during the weekend, including 17 against Villanova.
"She played great," Payne said. "She did an excellent, excellent job."
Shifflett credited her teammates with getting her career as a starter off to a successful start.
"We all pretty much played together as a unit," Shifflett said. "I don't think there's a lot we need to change."
Senior forward Casey Hunsicker said the team started out fast against Villanova, an element she said was missing against La Salle.
"[Against Villanova], we came out right away and were on the same page," Hunsicker said. "That was the major difference."
Payne did not think a hangover effect from Saturday's victory was a factor in Sunday's defeat.
"It's not something I've thought about," Payne said. "I try and focus on my team."
This weekend Cardinals had 15 penalty corners but were unable to turn any of them into goals. However, Ball State's opponents were two of 14 on penalty corners.
"It's something we work on a lot," Payne said. "We really had a rough time coming together."
Ball State next game will be Friday against the No. 14 University of Louisville.
Shifflett said it was unlikely the Cardinals would make any changes to their game plan following the defeat to La Salle.
"I think we're going to keep doing what we're doing," Shifflett said. "We need to stay strong and focused and keep playing Ball State hockey."
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