Late-game drama is becoming a habit for sophomore midfielder Sarah Orisich.
In Ball State's 3-2 win against Duquesne on Saturday, Orisich broke free for her third consecutive game-winning goal.
Coach Craig Roberts deems Orisich, known to her teammates as "Nugget", his little golden treasure for her antics late in matches.
"Sarah knows her role and when she gets in the game she does it and scores goals," Roberts said.
Ball State was up 2-1 when Orisich scored, but her goal provided much needed insurance. Duquesne battled back with a goal in the 88th minute to make it a game.
Her goal was made possible by the play of fellow sophomore midfielder Abby Millilo. She tallied a career best five points behind two goals and the one assist to Orisich for the final score.
"A lot of my goals have been from other people's efforts so I hope we can keep it going," Orisich said.
Saturday's match marked the end of a six-game road trip for the Cardinals where they went 4-2.
When Ball State takes on Western Michigan next week, it not only be their first Mid-American Conference match of the season, but also their first contest at home in nearly a month.
"It is a relief to finally play back at home," Orisich said. "I think we had a long couple of weeks, but they have been successful weeks so it helps our confidence for conference."
Ball State is undefeated on the season at home with a record of 2-0. The team won't have long to settle into Muncie again. After they play Western Michigan on Friday, Ball State goes back out on the road for three more games.
"Having this first game at home gives us more reassurance [we will be successful]," Roberts said. "It has been a challenge for the team not to sleep in the same bed these last few weeks. We need to get our balance back in the transition back home with all of our support."
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