Ball State University
Central Michigan
Field Hockey Falls In MAC Tournament
November 06, 2008 | Field Hockey
KENT, Ohio ? In a defensive struggle, the Ball State field hockey team fell 5-0 to Central Michigan in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament Thursday.
Ball State senior Jodi Mann struck first with a shot during a penalty corner; but it was blocked by Chippewa defenders. She also found the back of the net early in the game; however, it was taken back as she was outside the circle. Mann added another shot later in the game, leading the Cardinals' attack with three shots.
Casey Hunsicker recorded the only other shot on goal for the Cardinals, while Kaitlin Mitchell also added one shot that flew wide.
Both teams battled tough through the first 16 minutes; however, Central Michigan's Samantha Sandham logged the first goal on a penalty corner play from teammate Kim Erasmus. Six minutes later, Sandham earned her second goal off a rebound in the same fashion. Erasmus earned her own goal three minutes later, third of the season, with a shot from the ground. Sandham found her third goal of the game late in the first half for her second career hat trick, putting Central Michigan up 4-0 at halftime.
Tiffany Shifflett earned four saves in 27 minutes but ultimately gave up four goals to Central Michigan's offense. Freshman goalkeeper Chelsea Mitchell stepped in for just the third game this season, shutting down nine of the 10 shots she faced in 43 minutes of action.
It was Danika Stone who was able to get past Mitchells' tough defensive showing for her first career goal on an assist from Lauren Leed with five minutes remaining in the game, sealing the Chippewas' 5-0 victory.
Central Michigan's goalkeeper Melinda Curran tallied two saves and recorded her third shutout this season.
Central Michigan outshot Ball State 25-5 and led shots on goal 18-2. Ball State's fouls inside the arc were the difference in penalty corner opportunities as the Chippewas' led 12-4.
With the loss, Ball State wraps up the season with a 2-17 overall record, 1-9 in the MAC. Central Michigan improves to 8-11 overall, 1-1 in the MAC with the win and moves into the semi-finals Friday facing top-seeded Kent State.
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