Ball State University Athletics
Field Hockey Releases 2015-16 Schedule
May 14, 2015 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State has released its complete field hockey schedule for the upcoming 2015 fall season, which includes eight home matchups and 10 games on the road.
The Cardinals will prepare for their six Mid-American Conference games in addition to a non-conference slate featuring marquee road trips to Rutgers, Villanova and Virginia Commonwealth, as well as holding games against traditional in-state opponents.
“Starting the season with two road trips to the east coast will expose Ball State to quality teams on the east coast,” Ball State field hockey head coach Sally Northcroft said. “Although it can be difficult to be away so soon in the season, it is important that we play teams who will challenge us and bring out our best skills early in the season, and we will look to gain valuable experience from the two big weekends.”
Ball State will continue its longest standing rivalry when it hosts Ohio in the 72nd all-time meeting between the teams on Sept. 26, of which they will continue when they travel to Athen, Ohio to take on the Bobcats again on Oct. 16. The Cardinals will play Central Michigan for the 67th time and Kent State for the 64th time with both of those games occurring with home field advantage.
The home opener at the Briner Sports Complex is set for Sept. 8 against Northwestern, while the remainder of the non-conference opponents include Appalachian State, Iowa, and Bellarmine at home in addition to seven non-conference matchups on the road.
“More Big 10 opponents in Iowa and Indiana will provide yet another opportunity for Ball State to lean on the steady experience of our veteran players,” Northcroft said. “We will need to match the pace and energy of these strong and fast teams.”
Ball State begins its MAC schedule Oct. 2 at Longwood, although the field hockey team will play its first league home game on Oct. 24 against Missouri State. The Missouri State matchup will also feature the Alumni Day festivities.
“This season will challenge every player to find her best in the way she works and what she produces,” Northcroft went on. “The Ball State Field Hockey team is ready for that challenge and we look forward to being able to deliver an exceptional performance that delivers positive results.”
Ball State will round out the regular season with a senior day conference lineup at home against Kent State on Nov. 1.
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