Ball State's soccer team bullied its way to a 1-0 home win against Indiana State on Sunday.
Five yellow cards (two by Ball State) and one red card were handed out in a game that included 31 total fouls.
A sense of urgency for both teams only intensified the in-state rivalry. The Cardinals (2-0) remained unbeaten before beginning a six-game road trip, while Indiana State (0-2) failed to notch its first win this season.
"Both teams came out with a strong desire to win, and that competitive edge created the physical attitude of the players," Ball State coach Craig Roberts said. "Our team wouldn't be intimidated, and we maintained our focus throughout the game. I think the girls showed no one will come in and steamroll them."
It was a tight contest throughout, with the Cardinals breaking through in the 72nd minute. The lone goal scored by freshman midfielder Alyssa Peterson was her first career goal.
"I had a lot of adrenaline going through me, and I was a little shocked at first [scoring the goal]," Peterson said. "It felt great to win and help the team."
This is the first time Ball State has won consecutive games to open the season since the 2005-06 campaign.
"We want to be a winning team this year, and we will be," redshirt sophomore midfielder Sarah Orisich said. "Any home victory is important, and it really sets the season pace."
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