For the first 21 minutes of play Sunday, Ball State University fought Central Michigan University to a standstill, as neither team scored a goal.
However, it was then the Chippewas unleashed their offense and scored two goals in a 2:27 span. The Cardinals were unable to recover from the quick onslaught and fell 3-0 to Central Michigan.
"We just needed to answer back to them," Payne said. "But we were unable to do so."
It was the fourth straight Mid-American Conference defeat for the Cardinals, and the first one that was not decided by one goal.
The two teams were able to muster 16 shots between them, as Ball State was outshot 10-6. In the Cardinals' previous three MAC games, at least one team had managed 16 shots.
"There was a lot of play within 75 yards," Payne said of the middle of the field. "But there were definitely some good looks at the cage and good circle play as well."
Ball State, who fell to 2-9 on the season and 0-4 in the MAC, has not outshot an opponent this year.
Senior forward Amanda Pavone, said Central Michigan took advantage of their few chances better than Ball State did.
"I think they just capitalized on their opportunities when they had them," Pavone said. "They had a lot of momentum. Once they got one goal it kept their momentum going, and they got another one right off the bat."
Central Michigan beat No. 5 Michigan State University 3-2 last Wednesday, but senior midfielder Lauren Cruz said Ball State was not intimidated by that victory.
"Our game plan was concentrated on all their games and not just Michigan State," Cruz said. "It would've been on their mind that we beat Ohio State and went to overtime with Ohio."
Cruz said Ball State had defensive problems due to the Chippewas' team speed.
"They had fast forwards," Cruz said. "We weren't communicating as we normally do. They were just able to get in behind us and score."
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