Ball State University
Richmond
Field Hockey Falls In Season Opener
August 30, 2008 | Field Hockey
OXFORD, Ohio ? The Ball State field hockey team fell 8-3 in the 2008 season opener against Richmond, which is coached by Ball State alum Gina Lucido, in the Miami Kick-Off Classic.
The Cardinals (0-1) made a second half rally as they scored three of the last five goals in the game. The run was sparked by senior Jodi Mann (Clifton, Va./Centreville), who recorded the first goal of the season for the Cardinals. The goal was also the first career goal for the senior defender and it came off of a penalty corner. Mann's goal was assisted by freshman forward Katie Norris (Louisville, Ky./Mercy Academy), who made her first collegiate appearance in the game.
Freshman forward Brittany Hammer (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy) also began her collegiate career in impressive fashion with two goals, one on an assist from sophomore Hannah Jones (Louisville, Ky./Dupont Manual). Hammer's two goals paced the Cardinals' attack and came in her first collegiate contest.
The Cardinals were outshot 22-13 in the game, but were able to hold a 5-2 advantage in penalty corners. Junior goalkeeper Tiffany Shifflett (Yorktown, Va./Hampton Roads Academy) made three saves on the day, while sophomore Elizabeth Blaum and senior Casey Hunsicker (Myerstown, Pa./Tulpehocken) combined to record five of 13 shots for the Cardinals.
Richmond (1-0) was led by senior midfielder Alex Malatesta who recorded a hat trick as well as two assists.
The Cardinals will be back in action in the Miami Kick-Off Classic Sunday when they play Davidson at 1 p.m.
