Ball State University faced a two-goal deficit with less than half the game to go at Kent State University. The Golden Flashes had staked a 4-2 lead with 25 minutes remaining in the game, and Ball State had not managed as many as four goals in a game all season.
However, Ball State stormed back behind sophomore forward Brooke MacGillivary's three goals in regulation and sent the game to overtime. In the extra period, MacGillivary took a pass from junior midfielder Melanie Pasillas and buried it into the net to give the Cardinals a 5-4 win.
"We knew we were always in it," senior forward Katie Kloeckener said. "We knew we could come back and take this game."
MacGillivary's four goals, including the game-winner, gave her nine goals in her last three games, overtaking Ohio University's Torrie Albini for first place in the league with 14 goals for the season.
"It's just exciting to be able to make a difference," MacGillivary said. "I'm glad our team is playing well."
Ball State improved to 4-10 and 2-5 in the Mid-American Conference with the win while the Flashes fell to 10-6 and 5-2 in the league. The Cardinals have now won two out of three games for the first time in 2007.
MacGillivary said that Pasillas's pass set her up perfectly for the overtime winner.
"She got the ball past the halfway line, and she was one on one with the goalie," MacGillivary said. "She passed it across the circle, and I just put it in."
The Cardinals attempted a season-high 20 shots in the game, matching the output by Kent State. Tiffany Shifflett saved 12 shots for Ball State, her highest total in MAC play this season.
"There was actually a lot of offense in the game," Payne said. "There were just a lot of goal-scoring opportunities."
Ball State had been 0-4 in one-goal league games until Sunday's victory.
Kloeckener, who had three assists for the team, said it was vital that the Cardinals won a one-goal game in the MAC.
"I think it was huge," Kloeckener said. "Almost like a turning point. That we can get one of these one-goal wins is huge."
Payne said she was happy for her team after they collected the overtime win.
"I think this is a huge accomplishment for these guys," Payne said. "Today was an awesome example of heart and dedication to believing."
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