Ball State University Athletics
Field Hockey Aims To Close Regular Season With A Win
October 29, 2015 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State (2-14, 0-4 MAC) field hockey team will round out the regular season this weekend in Mid-American Conference action when it hosts Central Michigan (1-15, 1-4 MAC) Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. followed by Kent State (8-8, 4-1 MAC) on Sunday at noon. The Kent State matchup will also feature Senior Day festivities and acknowledgements prior to the game to show appreciation for the six seniors' commitment to the program.
Last weekend, the Cardinals fell to Missouri State 2-0 in MAC play at home, in the Bears fifth shutout of the season.
The Cardinals and the Bears remained scoreless through nearly the first half, until Missouri State's Andrea Soler Codina scored her third goal of the season in the 30th minute on a breakaway opportunity at the net. Missouri State's Sydney Richelieu then finalized the score at 2-0 on a backhanded shot from the top of the circle in the 60th minute.
Back in net, junior goalkeeper Jordan Dues (Fallbrook, Calif./Fallbrook) suited up to face eight attempted shots from the Bears.
Overall this season, junior Lexi Kavanaugh (Sherrill, N.Y./Vernon Verona Sherrill) remains as the leading scorer for the Cardinals 16 games in, with 17 points (seven goals, three assists). On the season, Dues holds a .636 save percentage, 3.29 GAA and a total of 89 saves as the 16-time starting goalkeeper. Dues ranks second in the MAC with 88 saves, and 5.56 saves per game.
SCOUTING CENTRAL MICHIGAN: The Chippewas are currently on a three-game losing streak, with Friday's matchup being the final game of the regular season. Leading Central Michigan's offense is senior Kaysie Gregory, who sports seven goals and two assists, while junior Maude Stalers holds three goals and one assist thus far. Holding a 1-15 overall, and 1-4 MAC record, Central Michigan falls short against opponents in shot attempts (325-77), goals scored per game (4.12-0.81), and shots per game (20.3-4.8). The Chippewas lone win came against MAC foe Missouri State in the form of a 1-0 double overtime win on Oct. 16. Central Michigan is led by first year head coach Molly Pelowski.
SERIES HISTORY: Most recently, Ball State fell to Central Michigan in a 2-0 final at home on Sept. 27, 2014, although the Chippewas have snagged the previous four matchups between the two teams. Historically, The Cardinals hold a 40-29 (.580) advantage over the Chippewas, with the most recent win being on Oct. 9, 2010 in a 3-2 overtime victory.
SCOUTING KENT STATE: Holding an even 8-8 overall record, paired with a 4-1 MAC record, Kent State is currently riding a five game winning streak heading into Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals. The game will round out regular season play for both teams, prior to the Mid-American Conference Tournament Nov. 6-7. Junior Madison Thompson tops the stat boards, with seven goals and two assists, while five other Flashes mark four goals. Kent State leads their opponents in attempted shots (253-248), shooting percentage (.585-.569) and shots per game (15.8-15.5), although they narrowly fall in goals per game (2.56-2.00), penalty corner opportunities (100-99), and have allowed their opponents two penalty strokes. Leading Kent State is 10th year head coach Kathleen Wiler.
SERIES HISTORY: The all-time series between Kent State and Ball State is all tied up at 33-33, although last year the Golden Flashes downed the Cardinals 6-1 on the road on Oct. 25, 2014. With Kent State taking the last three matchups between the two teams, Ball State's most recent win came in an exciting 4-3 overtime victory on Oct. 22, 2011.
Live stats will be available for fans unable to attend at: http://www.ballstatesports.com/liveStats/liveStats.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14200&LIST_SPORT__FIELD_HOCKEY
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State field hockey, check out BallStateSports.com and follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateFH on Twitter.
