Although the Ball State University women's soccer team was able to convert on scoring opportunities Friday, they did not have the same success Sunday.
Ball State began its regular season Friday with a 5-1 win against IPFW. The Cardinals then lost to Butler University 2-1 Sunday.
After a scoreless first half against Butler, junior Emily Rein broke the tie with a breakaway goal off an assist from sophomore Megan Ridley.
However, Butler responded less than three minutes later with a goal by Angie Muir. Less than four minutes later, Jenny Southard gave the Bulldogs the lead on a breakaway goal.
"It was a little bit of a loss of focus because we had confidence built up from our goal we scored and they never let down and came at us," Rein said.
Despite out-shooting Butler 19-7, Ball State could not capitalize on its opportunities.
"That's just frustrating," junior Sarah Schumacker said. "We take all these shots and we couldn't get it in today."
In addition to the advantage of shots on goal, the Cardinals also led the Bulldogs in corner kicks. Ball State had 14 corner kicks in the game compared to two by Butler. However, the Cardinals were 0-14 on corner kicks against the Bulldogs.
"We dominated them and at the same time Butler came out with a really good and effective game plan," coach Michelle Salmon said.
While Sunday's game was close throughout, the Cardinals left less doubt Friday.
Junior Katelyn Alexander scored the Cardinals' first goal of the season on a shot from 18 yards out.
The Cardinals also recorded goals from senior Sarah Leibel and Schumacker to lead 3-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Schumacker recorded her second goal of the game and freshman Meg Mellott finished the Cardinals' scoring with the first goal in her Ball State career.
Rein and senior Lindsay Martin each provided two assists in the game and Kristina Anderson had another.
"I thought we played really well on Friday," Salmon said. "Overall, I thought we played well [Sunday] too. The difference in the game was Friday we finished our opportunities."
IPFW ended Ball State's shutout bid on a goal with less than 10 minutes in the game as Danielle Luther scored on the Cardinals' backup goalkeeper sophomore Amy Cleeter.
Rein said she thinks the team will learn from Sunday's mistakes, fix them and prevent them from happening again.
The team will work on focusing this week in practice, Salmon said.
"Everything that broke down [Sunday] is very solvable," she said. "That's why we played a tough non-conference schedule like Butler so we can look at the things we need to improve upon."
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
