Game Statistics
Goals
Allison Abbe, 42'
Julia Elvbo, 58'
Assists
Alessandra Fistrovich (1)
Yela Ziswiler (1)
Saves
Alyssa Heintschel (1)
Ball State soccer dictated most of the first half against Bowling Green State University, but nearly ended the first half with nothing to show for it.
Then Allison Abbe entered the game.
The 5-foot-2-inch junior forward ripped an unassisted shot from 20 yards out to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.
“We're all contributing, which I think makes us a bigger threat because its hard for teams to pick out just one player to cover when we have a very deep bench and a very good starting line up,” Abbe said.
The Cardinals (11-2-2, 6-0-1 MAC) defeated the Falcons (7-8-0, 2-5-0 MAC) 2-0 to stay on top of the Mid-American Conference West Division.
Ball State hasn't lost in more than a month, going 8-0-1 since falling to Loyola Marymount 4-0 in Los Angeles Sept. 4.
Head coach Craig Roberts said he saw strong performances from players who don't always get much playing time.
“We were able to rotate many players into the game for some individuals that perhaps hadn’t much playing time to get more experience out there," Roberts said. "I felt like they played very confidently."
Senior forward Kelsey Wendlandt, for example, finished the game with two shots on goal.
"I knew when I went in this game, I had to make an impact and I had to give our team some depth so I just went in and gave it my all,” Wendlandt said.
Ball State continues to share the offensive wealth, as freshman Julia Elvbo's second-half goal made her the sixth different Cardinal with at least three goals this season. Abbe is right behind the group with two goals.
“This year its not just centered on one player," Abbe said. "It’s more spread out, like everybody’s pitching in with goals."
In a game where the Cardinals dominated on the offensive end, they also tallied their ninth shut out of the season.
The win also marked a milestone for Roberts. His 71st win broke a record for most wins with the program.
"If there was a team that I had to win the 71st win with it would be this team," Roberts said. "I just really enjoyed doing that with them.”
The Cardinals return to Briner Sports Complex Sunday, Oct. 16 when they host MAC West opponent Toledo at 2 p.m.
“I think we still need to take it one game at a time," Wendlendt said. "Were a very good team but we can't get to cocky, we gotta stay level headed.”
Read More
Top-seeded Cardinals’ postseason run ends with upset loss to Lindenwood
By Adam Altobella / 3 hours agoNo. 10 Ball State was upset by No. 18 Lindenwood in a five-set battle (25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 19-25, 11-15) on the Cardinals’ home court Thursday night. With how scarce at-large bids to the NCAA men’s volleyball tournament are, it is likely that the red and white’s 2024 campaign is over.
Current Ball State LGBTQ+ athletes share their stories about being out on the athletic stage
By Caleb Zuver and Elijah Poe / 15 hours agoWhether it be members of the women’s basketball, men’s volleyball teams or any other, Ball State athletics is continuing to grow its LGBTQ+ community.
Past Ball State athletes and staff reflect about the progression of acceptance for LGBTQ+ athletics, as well as navigating their own struggles
By Kyle Smedley , Caleb Zuver and Elijah Poe / 17 hours agoBeing a member of the LGBTQ+ community comes with peaks and valleys, especially for these former Ball State athletes and staff.
