MAC Tournament win drought continues for Ball State in loss to Longwood

Freshman Midfielder Angel Nkosi keeps the ball away from an Indiana University player Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 at Briner Sports Complex. Ball State lost the scrimmage to Indiana University 3-1. Indiana scored 2 goals in the fourth quarter of the game. Michelle Shampton, scored 1 goal for Ball State in the third quarter. Rebecca Slezak, DN
Freshman Midfielder Angel Nkosi keeps the ball away from an Indiana University player Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 at Briner Sports Complex. Ball State lost the scrimmage to Indiana University 3-1. Indiana scored 2 goals in the fourth quarter of the game. Michelle Shampton, scored 1 goal for Ball State in the third quarter. Rebecca Slezak, DN

In its first-ever Mid-American Conference Tournament meeting, Ball State Field Hockey (5-13, 3-4 MAC) fell to Longwood (9-9, 4-3 MAC), 3-0. The Lancers took just 3:34 to score their first goal of the contest, and they did not look back. 

The Cardinals have not had back-to-back wins in a season since 2017. Coming off of a regular-season finale victory over Appalachian State, Ball State was unable to win consecutive games in its first postseason game of the year. Despite the loss, head coach Stephanie Bernthal said her team put in a valiant effort. 

“We controlled the entire fourth quarter and had tons of opportunities in this game,” Berthal said. “We just didn’t quite get the bounces today.” 

Ball State struggled on offense throughout the entirety of the contest. The Cardinals only recorded seven shots on the day to the Lancers' 12. Ball State was unable to keep up with the offensive attack of Longwood. 

“We were really aggressive the whole game.” Bernthal said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the fight we showed.”

Five seniors played in their final game in the red and white. Bernthal said it was an emotional day for them in their last contest. 

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the senior class and what they have done,” Bernthal said. “Their example and their leadership has completely trickled down.” 

This was Bernthal's second season as the Cardinals' head coach, and she said she has noticed a big change in the program and culture in just two years. 

“It’s all the players; they’ve completely changed this program,” Bernthal said. “They have made this culture something that will be powerful forever.” 

Ball State ends its 2019 campaign with an overall record of 5-13. The future could look bright for the program, as the roster will return 18 of the current 23 players. 

“[The program] is ready to have a breakout year,” Bernthal said. “There will be a trophy that is raised soon.” 

Contact Grant Covey with comments at gacovey@bsu.edu or on Twitter @grant_covey

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