Ball State University
Missouri State
Field Hockey Propels Comeback In 4-3 Win Against Bears
October 03, 2009 | Field Hockey
Ball State trailed 9-4 in shot attempts in the first period, but led 3-0 in penalty corner opportunities. However Missouri State managed to take seven shots on goal to two by the Cardinals. The Bears took advantage of those shots and scored early after passing the ball to an open Alyssa Hile in front of the goal. Melissa Lantz who assisted the first goal, also added a goal of her own on a one-on-one opportunity. Ball State had several passes in front of the cage but could not put a mark on the board at the half.
The Bears increased their lead five minutes into the second period as Melissa Lantz scored a second unassisted goal on a fast break down the middle to give Missouri State a 3-0 lead.
However, Ball State quickly answered with a rebound by Brooke MacGillivary to give the Cardinal's their first goal. A second Ball State goal by Kaitlan Mitchell sparked a comeback as the Cardinals trailed by one with 19 minutes remaining in regulation.
Ball State capitalized on its 16 shot opportunities as Morgan Cloutier tied the score 3-3 by putting one into the back of the cage off a penalty corner opportunity for her first career goal. Just three minutes later the Cardinals took a 4-3 lead on Mitchell's hard shot off a penalty corner for her second goal of the game. Eleven Ball State players recorded at least one shot in the victory. Katie Norris added two assists, while Devanny Kuhn added another.
Missouri State had one last chance to tie the score on a penalty corner with no time remaining on the clock. However, Elizabeth Blaum blocked a shot by the Bears for a defensive save, which gave the Cardinals the 4-3 win
Goalkeeper Tiffany Shifflett also made nine saves in thirty minutes of action. She has 75 saves so far this season.
"Ball State's character and who we are as a program really showed here today," said head coach Annette Payne. "It was a great win for the team, and we need to continue on and have a great week of practice to get ready for next weekend."
COMING UP: Ball State continues 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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