Opposing teams are starting to take notice of Ball State University's talented freshman class and the players are starting to hear about it.
"People will say stuff to me after the game, like, 'You know they were looking at this person or this person,'" freshman forward Brittany Hammer said. "But I don't think I notice it during a game."
Of the seven members of this year's freshman class, only backup goalkeeper Chelsea Mitchell has not played in a game, and three are regular members of the starting lineup. The freshmen account for 60.5 percent of the points scored by the Cardinals. Hammer leads the team with 13 points and midfielder Caitlin Maguire is second with six.
"I came in hoping to make a difference," Maguire said. "I'm really glad that I'm able to add to everything."
The trend isn't limited to Ball State. Three freshmen are ranked in the top 10 points and goals scored in the Mid-American Conference, including Hammer. Kent State University's freshman forward Debbie Bell leads the MAC with 15 goals and is tied for the points lead with 30. Hammer and Bell are joined by Missouri State University freshman Kristen Pettey, who is tied for fourth with seven goals.
Defensive players have also gotten into the action. Miami University goalkeeper Abbey Huck has three shutouts this season and Kent State freshman Stephanie Arbelaez was named MAC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 8.
Bell was named MAC Offensive Player of the Week and National Player of the Week by womensfieldhockey.com Sept. 23.
Even with the recognition, Ball State coach Annette Payne said she hasn't noticed the success of other teams' freshmen.
"I know what they're doing to our program," Payne said. "But I haven't noticed [the classes of opposing players]."
Senior defender Melanie Pasillas said the work ethic of the freshmen is what has allowed them to be so successful.
"It's a lot about who they are," Pasillas said. "They're going to do whatever they can and even do extra work. That drive and that motivation will carry them far."
Maguire and Hammer both find the idea of other teams looking out for them laughable. They prefer to attribute their early goal-scoring success to good fortune and their teammates, than their own skill level.
"I hope they hold us so other people can get open and score," Hammer said.
Midfielder Devanny Kuhn has started all 11 games and has been key to Ball State's defense of penalty corners. Kuhn was named Ms. Kentucky Field Hockey last year and has lived to the expectations, just like the rest of the class.
"You always expect your recruits to make an impact," Payne said. "We want them to feel that they can make an impact here. There's no position here that's given. We try and make it a competitive atmosphere."
That environment has worked to the benefit of the freshman class, which has taken advantage of all the chances that have come its way at Ball State.
"I came in with the mind set to work hard," Maguire said. "Whenever I am out on the field I try to make a difference. I feel that I've been given the opportunity to be successful here."
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