Valparaiso (1-3-2, 0-0-0 MVC) took a trip to Muncie in an attempt to avenge a loss from the 2021 season. A loss for the Beacons Sept. 4 meant Ball State (1-3-2, 0-0-0 MAC) earned its first victory of the 2022 season.
Before the first whistle, lone senior Tiffani Torres was given a moment of recognition and gratitude from her family, friends, teammates and coaches for all her dedication during her college career.
With the loss, both opponents now hold the same record of 1-3-2 for this season. Each side's goalkeepers, Bethany Moser and Nikki Coryell had three saves while both teams also resembled the same number of shots on goal; nine. The two were well matched throughout but the Cardinals came out on top with a winning score of 3-0.
The first goal was scored in the tenth minute of the first half by junior midfielder Avery Fenchel. A turnover placed the ball at her feet, allowing for a stepover around the defensive player giving her an open shot on goal. The ball left her foot and hit the crossbar before hitting the back of Valparaiso's head before celebrating the score.
“I think getting that early lead helped boost our confidence and change our mentality a little bit,” Fenchel said.
The second goal was scored in the 47th minute of the game by Fenchel with no assist. After a scramble, the ball came to Fenchel on the left side of the box forcing a left-footed shot.
“I was just at the right place at the right time,” Fenchel said.
With no rush, she took an extra touch to control before sending a low hard ball into the right corner of the goal.
In the 76th minute of the game, freshman forward Delaney Caldwell got on the board with her first collegiate goal assisted by freshman forward Emily Roper.
Roper sent a ball through putting Caldwell in a foot race towards the left side of the box. A shoulder-to-shoulder scramble caused them to lose footing, but Caldwell made strong contact with the ball in her slide tackle placing it into the right corner of the net.
Head Coach Josh Rife said Ball State has become more confident, resulting in their work ethic, vocalization, communication and a sense of pride in themselves. Coach Rife plans to continue this winning streak by “taking the opportunities to get a lot of training in, work on some of the areas that we need to get better, and get a little more fit.”
The Cardinals head out on the road again on Sept. 15th against Butler at 7 p.m. hoping to continue their winning streak.
Contact Meghan Sawitzke with comments at meghan.sawitzke@bsu.edu or on Twitter @MSawitzke.
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