Ball State soccer coach Craig Roberts told freshman Layne Schramm and sophomore Aubrey Buehler the goalkeeping spot was wide open. Quality practices meant more playing time.
Two months into the season, their friendly rivalry continues.
Roberts said he evaluates his keepers each day based on statistics like goals allowed in practice, among other things. He uses that information to decide who starts on game day.
"When they started, I told them it's a great thing to have someone competing with you," Roberts said. "With no one trying to claim the spot behind you, you can become complacent. It makes them bring their A-game to every practice and game."
Buehler has started seven of 10 matches this season. Schramm started the three other contests.
After starting all 16 games under Roberts at Tennessee-Martin last year, Buehler arrived at Ball State looking to be the front-runner. Giving up time to a freshman could have been difficult, but the sophomore welcomed the fight.
"I absolutely love the competition," she said. "It pushes me to a whole new level. It makes me be a better, stronger keeper mentally and physically."
Both players embrace the challenge, saying it strengthens their team as a whole.
"We never had a tough moment or were bitter toward each other," Schramm said. "We encourage each other because we both know it is for the benefit of the team."
Ball State kicked off the Mid-American Conference season last weekend with matches against Western Michigan and Northern Illinois. Buehler started both games, which ended in losses.
Roberts said Buehler got the nod because of her postseason experience. She led UT-Martin to its first Ohio Valley Conference Championship last season.
"You can be technically sound as a player, but a lot of times experience prevails," Roberts said. "It can ruin a player if you put them in too soon before they are ready."
The 0-2 start to conference play could stir things up. Falling behind any further could put the Cardinals' season in jeopardy.
Roberts said he has confidence whoever starts this weekend's matches will give them a chance to win.
"Both players recognize they have made dramatic improvements since the beginning of the year," he said. "But they both know they are still fighting to see who gets the most playing time."
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