It is a tough task to keep great players down for a long time.
The Ball State University field hockey team got a strong reminder of that in its 5-0 loss to Central Michigan University in the Mid-American Tournament quarterfinals Thursday. After not scoring in her last five games against the Cardinals, senior forward Samantha Sandham notched a hat trick. Sandham topped off her day when she was named MAC Player of the Year.
Coach Annette Payne said the difference was Sandham's ability to execute on penalty corners, on which she scored all her goals.
"They scored on some unfortunate corners," Payne said.
The loss in Kent, Ohio gave Ball State a final record of 2-17, setting the record for the most losses in program history. The Cardinals extended their losing streak to five games, and it was the second defeat to the Chippewas in six days.
Central Michigan outshot Ball State 25-5 and had a 12-4 advantage on penalty corners. Payne said the Cardinals still had offensive opportunities they could have taken advantage of.
"I don't think the score's indicative of that," Payne said.
Senior defender Jodi Mann led the team with three shots. Mann declined an interview request.
Despite being replaced 16 minutes into Sunday's regular season finale against Miami University, junior goalkeeper Tiffany Shifflett started Thursday's game. Shifflett was again replaced by Chelsea Mitchell 27 minutes into the game after giving up four goals. Mitchell made nine saves and allowed one goal in her third appearance this year.
"I thought she did very well," Payne said. "She came in and did a good job."
Sandham opened the scoring 15 minutes into the contest and added her second goal seven minutes later off a rebound. Her final goal came one minute after junior defender Kim Erasmus made it 3-0 in the 26th minute. Sandham's final goal gave her the second hat trick of her career and prompted Payne to make the goalkeeper change.
Freshman midfielder Danika Stone scored her first career goal with four minutes remaining in the game to close out the Chippewa's fifth straight MAC win. The Chippewas advanced to play Kent State University, the last MAC team that defeated them, in the semifinals.
This is the second straight year Central Michigan eliminated Ball State from the MAC tournament with a shutout. The Chippewas advanced last year with a 1-0 victory. The 5-0 loss marked the seventh time the Cardinals have been shutout this season.
Five things to take away1. Ball State lost its 17th game of the year, a program record.
2. For the second straight year Central Michigan shutout the Cardinals in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals.
3. Senior defender Jodi Mann led the team with three shots.
4. Freshman goalkeeper Chelsea Mitchell made nine saves after coming into the game 27 minutes into the game.
5. Ball State was outshot 25-5.
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