Ball State University was overwhelmed in their first Mid-American Conference game, but played better in their second MAC game against Central Michigan University on Saturday.
However, the 4-1 loss gave the Cardinals the same result, putting them at 0-2 in conference play and 2-7 overall.
The loss is Ball State's seventh straight.
The Cardinals began on a good note when sophomore Brittany Hammer, last year's leading scorer, netted her second goal of the season at the 15:35 mark giving Ball State an early 1-0 lead.
"After we scored early, we had great momentum," coach Annette Payne said. "We were doing great things with the ball and they responded well. We needed to possess the ball better."
The lead was held by Ball State for 25 minutes in the first half until Central Michigan bounced back with back-to-back goals from the Chippewa's Pam Suefert at the 24:36 and 25:41 marks, giving Central Michigan a 2-1 lead going into the half.
Ball State was outshot 13-8 in the game, forwards Brooke MacGillivary and Hammer each recorded three shots on goal.
Ball State managed six shots on goal in the second half, but none found the back of the net.
"We played well today, we could have done things that would have been more game changers," Payne said. "Unfortunately, we could have played better."
Twenty minutes went by without a score until Central Michigan's Kelly Jordan found the back of the net, putting the score at 3-1.
The game was sealed on a final goal by the Chippewas in the 64th minute. The last two goals both came off penalty strokes.
"It was 2-1 and they were awarded two penalty strokes and that's what I think sealed the game for Central Michigan," Payne said.
Senior Tiffany Shifflett recorded three more saves moving her up the career saves chart at Ball State. Shifflett is fourth all-time with 328 career saves, 31 saves out of third place.
Payne remains confident the team will break their losing streak soon.
"We need to take better care of the ball and, at the same time, if you look at possession and shots that needs to improve," she said. "Win or lose there are things we could have done better, we have to keep working our way at it and getting better."
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