After Friday's 3-0 loss at Central Michigan University, the Ball State University soccer team sat down on its off day Saturday to discuss what led to the program's worst loss in two years.
The team discussed needing to take individual responsibility and not playing the blame game during its meeting. The result was the Cardinals' (5-5, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) biggest win since the 2007 season opener with a 3-0 win at Eastern Michigan University (6-3-2, 1-1 MAC).
Coach Michael Lovett said the Cardinals' win was a result of the players coming together and putting things on themselves.
"I can't take credit for this win," he said. "It was a team effort."
After playing timid and scared in Friday's loss, the Cardinals played with intensity, passion and pride Sunday, Lovett said.
"They were absolutely, 100 percent ready, and they took it to them for the entire game," Lovett said.
Ball State took the lead as Megan Ridley scored with less than five minutes remaining in the first half.
Emily Rein gave the Cardinals an insurance goal with about 13 minutes left in the game as she scored on a header off a corner kick. The goal was her second of the season and the 24th in her career. She is now one goal behind Kate Nadalin for second all-time in Ball State history and six behind the record holder, Dee Nocero.
Jen Vilkoski picked up the assist on Rein's goal with the pass from the corner. It was the senior's first point in her collegiate career.
Rein said she did not know about her proximity to the top of the Cardinals' record book, but she knew about Vilkoski's accomplishment.
"I was just really happy for her because she deserves it, and she is a great player," Rein said.
Goalkeeper Rachael Murphy recorded five saves in the game for her fourth shutout of the season. It was also the fifth win of the season and the 30th of her career, which pushed her past Alison Becker for first place in Ball State history.
Rein said the Cardinals' defense helped propel the offense throughout the game.
"They were winning the ball at midfield all day, and it made our job easier," she said.
Lovett said the weekend was productive for Ball State as the goal is always to at least split weekends on the road. He also said it was fortunate the Cardinals lost Friday and not Sunday so they can carry the momentum from the win into next weekend's games.
Rein said hopefully Sunday's win sets the standard for the rest of the season.
"It just showed us what we are capable of doing," she said.
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