Ball State University Athletics
Soccer Downs NAIA National Champ, Starts Spring 2-0
March 19, 2016 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Aly Kohanowski scored three goals Saturday as the Ball State soccer team opened its spring schedule with two shutout wins, including a 3-0 victory over 2015 NAIA national champion Spring Arbor.
The Cardinals defeated Spring Arbor 3-0 behind goals from Kohanowski, Gabby Veldman and Cincinnati transfer Allison Abbe.
“It was a good start, beating the reigning NAIA national champions,” Ball State coach Craig Roberts said. “They are a well-organized and well-coached team. We were solid defensively, our midfield did well with combination play, and we were able to score from different areas of the field.”
Ball State capped the afternoon with a 5-0 victory over Tiffin. Kohanowski scored twice in the game, while Veldman added another tally on a 35-yard free kick. The Cardinals also picked up goals from Lauren Roll and Lucy Walton.
All-Mid-American Conference First Team goalkeeper Alyssa Heintschel and Saint Louis transfer Tristin Stuteville shared time in goal, combining to keep clean sheets in both games.
“We were very pleased with Aly's conversions and her consistency today,” Roberts said. “It was good to see some new player combinations out there. We weren't perfect, but we did well with the things we have been working on in practice. Overall, I was pleased for our first spring games.”
The Cardinals will continue their spring schedule April 2 against Indiana State at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis. That game is scheduled to start at Noon.
