After three days of competition, Ball State University's power soccer team placed fourth in the national finals.
In the team's first year of existence, the Cardinals advanced to the semifinal game Saturday, before losing 4-1 to the Circle City Rollers from Indianapolis.
Although her team didn't win, captain Natalie Russo said she believes that the Cardinals have a lot to be proud of.
"I can't believe the improvement we have made as a team," she said. "With this being our first year, and making fourth place, we are winners in my mind."
Junior Laura Medcalf scored the only goal for Ball State during the semifinal match.
"I was super excited and surprised when I scored, because the play went so fast," Medcalf said.
Medcalf also said that she was a bit confused because of the high speed of the game.
After that loss, Ball State's team played against Indianapolis team Sudden Impact, trying for an overall third place finish.
The Cardinals never had a lead in the consolation game and lost 3-1.
Power Soccer of Indy hosted the third annual United States Power Soccer Association National Tournament.
In its seventh year as a league, Power Soccer of Indy supports 11 teams in the state.
Three teams from Indiana qualified to play in the Division I national finals, which had a total of 10 competing teams.
Despite the Cardinals being unable to win the national title, the Ball State members said they still have confidence for the next game and for next year.
"Circle City was tough competition, and we came up just short," junior Allen Caldwell said. "But I know we are not going home empty handed so that makes me feel good."
Ball State's coaching staff also said they shared the confidence of their players in the team.
"For a first year team, we played phenomenally against a very good team," assistant coach Daniel Potash said.
Potash also said he is proud of the toughness that Ball State showed considering that Circle City is a team that has been around for a long time.
Head coach Dominic Russo echoed Potash's satisfaction with the Cardinals.
"I am very proud of our team," Russo said. "But we can't win just playing 80 percent."
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