Field Hockey Upset Bid Falls Short Against No. 22 Kent State

MUNCIE, Ind. - Although it was the last contest of the season for the Ball State field hockey team, the Cardinals came onto to the field Saturday afternoon at the Briner Sports Complex with a lot of intensity, almost pulling off the upset over No. 22 Kent State. Unfortunately, just like the last time the Golden Flashes visited Muncie, the game came down to one goal which went to Kent State.

With the loss, Ball State ends its 2021 season with an overall record of 4-13 and a 2-6 Mid-American Conference ledger. The Golden Flashes (12-5, 6-1 MAC) earned the MAC regular season championship and the No. 1 seed in next week's MAC Tournament, with the win.

After a scoreless first quarter, it would be the Cardinals who would get on the board first in the second frame to take the early 1-0 lead over the Golden Flashes. Ball State would capitalize on a penalty corner at the 14:44 mark as Michaela Graney found the back of the cage for the second time this season. The goal also marked Graney's fourth of her career.

Ball State's tenacious defense held Kent State scoreless the remainder of the half to hold onto its slim 1-0 lead at intermission.

After the break, Kent State would knot the game a 1-1 after Clara Rodriguez Seto connected off a penalty corner off the assists from teammates Ashley Bonetz and Luisa Knapp at the start of the third stanza.

It looked as if the game may go into an extra period as both teams continued to battle defensively. But Rodriguez Seto shattered those hopes as she struck again at the 46:47 mark to give Kent State the 2-1 advantage.

Ball State had its chances, but the Golden Flashes controlled the tempo the remainder of the game to seal their victory and the MAC regular season championship.

Defensively, Hannah Johnston tied her career high with 20 saves for the Cardinals. Johnston now has 109 saves for her career.

Field Hockey Upset Bid Falls Short Against No. 22 Kent State

Team Stats

Michaela Graney

Emma Hilton

Paloma Gomez Rengifo

Kerrianne McClay

Players Mentioned

Michaela Graney

Hannah Johnston

Players Mentioned

Michaela Graney

Hannah Johnston