After three Mid-American Conference home games ended in one-goal defeats, two of them with a goal that abruptly ended the game, Ball State University had a week to collect itself and prepare.
At the end of all that preparation, the Cardinals get to match up with Central Michigan University, who defeated Michigan State University Wednesday, the fifth-ranked team in the country.
A defeat would send the Cardinals to 0-4 in the MAC. Coach Annette Payne said there is a world of difference for her team between that and 1-3, which Ball State can improve to with a victory.
"It makes a huge difference," Payne said. "We're working hard this week, and obviously we want to get a couple of Ws."
Sophomore forward Brooke MacGillivary, who was named the MAC offensive player of the week Tuesday for scoring two goals and adding two assists in three games last week, said she wants the team to continue to build on its experience.
"We just want to continue our momentum from the weekend," MacGillivary said. "We feel like we played two really strong games, even though the outcome didn't go our way."
The Cardinals suffered one-goal defeats last weekend to No. 11 Ohio University and Kent State University, who currently rank first and second in the MAC respectively.
MacGillivary said it won't get any easier against Central Michigan, who has played well against the Cardinals when they are away.
"Every MAC game is important," MacGillivary said. "We haven't won at Central since 1999, so it's very important."
Payne said the team will need to be flexible with its game plan to have success against the Chippewas.
"We have to be willing to adjust at times," Payne said. "And we know what that means as a team. We're going to have to play solid hockey for 70 minutes."
Payne also said the team will need to attack offensively.
"We expect everybody to be goal-hungry," Payne said. "And everyone's really committed to that idea and what we're trying to accomplish in practice."
The offense is expected to be led by MacGillivary and junior forward Casey Hunsicker this weekend, as the two have combined for nine goals on the season. Hunsicker suffered a mild head injury that required stitches in practice Wednesday but is expected to be ready for Central Michigan.
MacGillivary said the team's increased offensive flow, will help the team against the Chippewas.
"The more we play, the more we know where people will be," MacGillivary said.
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