Ball State University
(2-7)
Michigan State University
(5-3)
Strong Defense and Pereira’s Goal Not Enough Against No. 23 Michigan State
September 22, 2019 | Field Hockey
With the loss, Ball State drops to 2-7 on the season while No. 23 Michigan State improves its overall record to 5-3.
"This was a heartbreaker of a weekend, with two very close games," Ball State field hockey coach Stephanie Bernthal said. "I'm so proud of how the team is battling. With each game our chemistry improves and we execute new elements. When you have a lot of youth, it takes time to get everyone gel-ing. I knew this tough early schedule would bring out the best in our team, and that it will prepare us to be peaking for the Mid-American Conference tournament. These girls are warriors and they grow hungrier with every obstacle thrown their way. It truly is a special group, though to the outsider we haven't garnered special results yet. I love that they are willing to remain faithful to the process."
All season long the Cardinals strong suit has been their stellar defense especially at the start of today's contest. Ball State held the Spartans scoreless until the closing minutes of the second quarter. Michigan State closed out the second frame with back-to-back goals to take a 2-0 lead over Ball State at intermission.At around the 36 minute mark in the third quarter, the Spartans had stretched their lead to 3-0. Ball State answered as redshirt junior Rachel Pereira found the back of the cage with the help of teammates redshirt senior Michelle Shampton and junior Jenna McKune, making it a 3-1 ball game heading into the final 15 minutes of action. Pereira's goal marked her second of the season and sixth of her career.
After that, Ball State held Michigan State scoreless the remainder of the contest but unfortunately was unable to score again. The Cardinals combined for a total of 10 shot attempts today with Pereira leading the way with three, she also leads the Cardinals this season in total shots with 16.
The Ball State field hockey team returns to Mid-American Conference action Saturday when it hosts Central Michigan for a 1 p.m. start at the Briner Sports Complex.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State field hockey team, please follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateFH.
Team Stats
Osinga, Aisha (3)
Assisted By: Bonshak, Cara , Ross, Meredith
GOAL by MSU Osinga, Aisha (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Bonshak, Cara and Ross, Meredith, goal number 3 for season.
28:39
Ross, Meredith (3)
GOAL by MSU Ross, Meredith, goal number 3 for season.
29:51
Sinisi, Lia (5)
Assisted By: Riccardo, Celina
GOAL by MSU Sinisi, Lia, Assist by Riccardo, Celina, goal number 5 for season.
36:16
PEREIRA, Rachel
Assisted By: SHAMPTON, Michelle , MCKUNE, Jenna
GOAL by BALLST PEREIRA, Rachel, Assist by SHAMPTON, Michelle and MCKUNE, Jenna.
37:36
