Needing a win to avoid tying the single-season record for most losses in program history and lock up the fifth seed in the Mid-American Conference Tournament, the Ball State University field hockey team lost twice this weekend.
The Cardinals travelled to Central Michigan University on Saturday, losing 4-2, and then finished their regular season Sunday at Miami University, where they lost 5-0. The team finished the season with a 2-16 overall record and a 1-9 in the MAC. Both marks are Ball State's worst since 2000 when the team finished with an identical MAC record.
"I feel like I have an excellent team," coach Annette Payne said. "I am very proud of them. They grew a lot this season and have come a long way this season."
The Cardinals will either be seeded fifth for the conference tournament will begin Thursday in Kent, Ohio, and will face the fourth-seeded Central Michigan.
In addition to beating the Cardinals this weekend, Central Michgan defeated Ball State 4-0 on Oct. 4 in Munice.
"The tournament is here to give opportunities," Payne said. "Any team that comes in and plays three good games in a row has a chance."
The weekend began well for the Cardinals. Senior defender Jodi Mann opened the scoring in Mount Pleasant, Mich., when she deflected fellow defender Melanie Pasillas' shot 10 minutes into the contest. The lead would disappear two minutes later when defender Kim Erasmus scored her first goal of the season off a penalty corner.
"We did some great things on Saturday," Payne said. "We played good hockey."
Central Michigan would extend its lead to four goals before Mann scored again with two minutes remaining. Mann now has five goals, which is second to freshman forward Brittany Hammer, who has six.
Mann and Hammer each had two shots at Miami, but were unable to score and the Cardinals were shut out for the sixth time this season.
Goalkeeper Tiffany Shifflett was replaced by freshman Chelsea Mitchell 16 minutes into the game after allowing three goals. Mitchell had appeared in one game previously, playing six minutes in the second loss to Ohio. She allowed two goals and made two saves Sunday, while Shifflett had one save. Payne would not say who would start Thursday's game.
"We come from the perspective that you have to work hard to earn your starting spot," Payne said. "We evaluate all the players every week."
Shifflett is sixth all-time in career saves at Ball State with 262.
No matter who starts in goal, Payne said she wants her team to be as prepared as possible for its final chances this season.
"We have to be ready, mentally and physically, for a long weekend," Payne said. "And I mean long in days."
5 things to take away1. Ball State tied the single-season record for most losses Sunday, when it lost its 16th game.
2. The Cardinals will play either Ohio or Central Michigan Thursday in the MAC tournament.
3. Junior goalkeeper Tiffany Shifflett was replaced in Sunday's game by freshman Chelsea Mitchell 16 minutes into the game.
4. Senior defender Jodi Mann scored twice Saturday.
5. Sunday's 5-0 loss was the sixth time Ball State has been shut out this year. During the 2007 season, Ball State was shut out five times, including twice to Central Michigan.
HistoryWith Ball State's loss Sunday, it tied a program record for most losses in a single season. It is also marked the second worst winning percentage in program history. 2008: 2-16-0 (.111)2000: 5-16-0 (.238)2004: 4-14-0 (.222)2005: 4-14-0 (.222)1975: 1-14-1 (.094)
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
