The Ball State field hockey team used an overtime goal by sophomore Lexi Kavanaugh to upset No. 18 Michigan State 2-1 on Sunday.
“I’m pretty stoked, not just for me, but for the whole team,” Kavanaugh said. “I feel like we wanted to win so badly. You can tell everyone’s attitude is up.”
Ball State jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the ninth minute, courtesy of a goal from junior Cameron Daniels.
During its seven-match losing streak, Ball State had failed to take advantage of its scoring chances, but was able to capitalize on them against Missouri State and Michigan State.
“Getting the opportunities is something we’re good at, it’s just finishing,” head coach Beth Maddox said. “We were able to execute this weekend.”
The Spartans bounced back with a goal in the 24th minute from senior Abby Barker, and at halftime the score was locked at one.
Both teams had several opportunities to score in the second half, with Michigan State missing a penalty shot as the clock expired, sending Ball State to its third overtime of the year.
In the 73rd minute, Cardinal middle fielder Bethany Han stole the ball from a Michigan State player, drove the the entire length of the field and fed the ball to Kavanaugh, who scored the game-winning goal.
With the win, Ball State improved to 5-7 on the year.
“[Michigan State has] very skilled players, and they’re very talented with the ball,” Maddox said. “It wasn’t pretty by any means in the second half.”
The team will look to continue its two-game winning streak at 7 p.m. Friday when it travels to Farmville, Va., for a match with Longwood.
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