Ball State University
Miami
Field Hockey Drops MAC Home Opener Against Miami 3-1
October 03, 2009 | Field Hockey
Even though Miami led 11 shots on goal to seven, Ball State had two more people post shots on goal than the RedHawks. Miami led 9-4 in penalty corner opportunities, earning seven in the first period.
Both teams played even defensively throughout the first thirty minutes of action. However, Miami found its first goal after passing the ball around in front of the cage and tipping it in for the score. The RedHawks kept the 1-0 lead at the half, logging 12 shots.
Ball State kicked it into gear during the second period, firing nine shots; two more than Miami. Kaitlan Mitchell took a shot near the edge of the arc, but Miami goalkeeper Abby Huck kicked it out of play. Gretchen Lulow, who medically redshirted last season, found the back of the net minutes later as she scored her first career goal off a pass down the baseline from Mitchell, tying the score at one apiece. Mitchell now leads the team with three assists this season.
The two teams continued to battle throughout the remaining 26 minutes. Back to back defensive saves from each team prevented any scoring off breakaways. Maura Sawicki made her first defensive save for Ball State. But Miami regained the lead on an unassisted goal by Mary Hull late in the game. Hull sealed it for the RedHawks, scoring a third goal, her second of the day, with five minutes remaining in regulation. The Cardinals could not hang on as Miami took the 3-1 win.
COMING UP: Ball State continue a six-game home stretch with matchups against Ohio 1 p.m. Saturday, October 10, followed by Kent State 1 p.m. Sunday, October 11. Sunday's game will be broadcast on local radio WCRD 91.3 FM.
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