Strong Defense Highlights First Field Hockey Game

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Ball State field hockey team took the field for the first time under first-year head coach Stephanie Bernthal when the Cardinals scrimmaged at Big Ten foe Indiana this afternoon.

"We have lots of respect for the IU field hockey program," Bernthal said. "They are well coached and presented us with a great challenge today. We implemented a lot of concepts from our preseason work. We capitalized in key moments, which started with the team's commitment to working hard every moment of preseason. We have lots to build on, and look forward to getting back to practice."

Both teams struggled out of the gate, unable to score a goal during the opening minutes of play. The Hoosiers Sheridan Weiss sent a rebounder save into the board for the first goal of the scrimmage and then managed to strike again before the half to put Indiana up 2-0.

After the half, the Cardinals created an opportunity to score after redshirt sophomore Sierra Jefferson drove to the goal but couldn't connect as the ball was kicked away. Ball State then drew to the corner and redshirt junior Hannah Bohn fired off her first shot of the contest but it was blocked.

The first goal scored by the Cardinals today came from redshirt sophomore Rachel Pereira after she converted off of a penalty stroke to the left corner. Junior transfer Arantxa Rosainz Caloca also registered a goal right before the end of regulation.

Ball State had a strong defensive effort overall throughout the entire competition against the Hoosiers which was promising for the start of the season. The Cardinals will apply what they learned today when Ball State opens their regular season Friday against Saint Francis on a neutral turf in Oxford, Ohio, on the campus of Miami University.

For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State field hockey, please follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateFH.

Players Mentioned

Hannah Bohn

Sierra Jefferson

Rachel Pereira

Arantxa Rosainz Caloca

Related Videos