Ball State University
(0-2)
Lafayette
(1-0)
Field Hockey Downed By Lafayette 3-2
August 30, 2015 | Field Hockey
EASTON, Pa. – The Ball State (0-2) field hockey team fell in a narrow 2-3 final to Lafayette (1-0) Sunday afternoon. Junior Lexi Kavanaugh (Sherrill, N.Y./Vernon Verona Sherrill) led the Cardinals with one goal and one assist, in addition to four shots on the day.
Junior Merinda Morley (University City, Mo./University City) was assisted by Kavanaugh to cinch her first goal of the season which rounded out the Ball State scoring after a deflection in front of the goal. The goal was one of two shots on net that Morley recorded.
“The team played unbelievably tough for the majority of the game,” Ball State field hockey head coach Sally Northcroft said. “I put it to the team to start playing in a way that defines our character and that involves playing hard for the full game. They played so well at times and started to show by their passing and stepping to the ball that they have the ability to be competitive in any situation.”
Junior Morgan Nash (Houston, Texas/Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart) stepped up to assist Kavanaugh in tallying Ball State's first goal, while fellow junior Mikayla Mooney (St. Louis, Mo./Whitfield School) marked three of the Cardinals 13 attempted shots.
Goalkeeping duties were tackled by junior Jordan Dues (Fallbrook, Calif./Fallbrook), where she faced a total of 17 attempted shots and recorded five saves for a .625 save percentage.
Lafayette took the early lead, scoring all three goals prior to halftime, while the Cardinals notched one goal per half. The Leopards also carried the advantage of 17-13 attempted shots and 8-6 shots on goal, although both teams benefited from six penalty corners a piece throughout the 70 minute matchup.
“Never giving up and staying tough are the characteristics that we are looking for and they showed that today,” Northcroft said. “Carley Shannon worked extremely hard all game and Morgan Nash came off the bench to make an impact right away. I'm proud of how hard the team fought and proud that so many alumni came to support our team.”
The Ball State field hockey team continues action on the road Friday, Sep. 4, when they take on Villanova at 4 p.m. in Philadelphia, Pa.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State field hockey, follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateFH on Twitter.
Team Stats
Macrae, Paige (1)
Assisted By: Colbourne, Ellen
GOAL by LAFAYETT Macrae, Paige (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Colbourne, Ellen, goal number 1 for season.
8:31
KAVANAUGH, Lexi (1)
Assisted By: NASH, Morgan
tap in after long pass from right side
20:52
Magadan, Amanda (1)
high shot into top right corner from top
29:25
Millen, Hannah (1)
Assisted By: Szalkowski, Kirby , Shanks, Rosie
deflected off a corner
34:10
MORLEY, Merinda (1)
Assisted By: KAVANAUGH, Lexi
deflected in front, shot from top left o
69:14
