Ball State University Athletics
Field Hockey Lines Up For In-State Rival Indiana
September 17, 2015 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State (1-6) field hockey team will continue non-conference action this week at Indiana (2-4) on Friday. The Big Ten matchup will take place at the IU Field Hockey Complex in Bloomington, Ind. at 4 p.m. and will be the fourth Big Ten opponent for Ball State this season.
Most recently, the Cardinals narrowly topped the Mountaineers 3-2 in their first win of the season, thanks to a pair goals from junior Lexi Kavanaugh (Sherrill, N.Y./Vernon Verona Sherrill). It marked the second consecutive two-goal game for Cardinals leading scorer, of which earned her Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors. Freshman Anya Eicher (Boort, Victoria, Australia/Boort District School/Boort Hockey Club) also notched her first collegiate career goal unassisted on a backhand shot.
Overall, Kavanaugh remains as the leading scorer for the Cardinals seven games in, with 12 points (five goals, two assists). On the season, junior goalkeeper Jordan Dues (Fallbrook, Calif./Fallbrook) holds a .645 save percentage, 3.14 GAA and a total of 40 saves as the seven-time starting goalkeeper.
SCOUTING INDIANA: In the midst of a four-game home stretch, the Hoosiers are battling through a two game losing streak. Indiana's last matchup was their home opener against Miami, in which they allowed two goals in the first 10 minutes, ultimately resulting in a 3-1 loss. Senior Karen Lorite leads the Hoosiers offensively, having notched three goals and two assists in the team's first six games. Defensively, goalkeeper Noelle Rother currently leads the Big Ten Conference in total saves (29) and in saves per game (4.8), while Malia Fujisawa leads the Big Ten with two defensive saves. Head coach Amanda Janney enters her first season with the Hoosiers, while she is joined by fellow first-year coaches Kelly Terwilliger and Ayla Halus.
SERIES HISTORY: Indiana holds the 10-5 all-time advantage over the Cardinals, including victories in the last two matchups. Most recently, Indiana won 2-0 over Ball State at the Briner Sports Complex on Sept. 17, 2014.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State field hockey, check out BallStateSports.com and follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateFH on Twitter.
