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Photo by: Ball State University Creative Services
Field Hockey Falls In Final Seconds To MAC Preseason Favorite Miami
March 02, 2021 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State field hockey program gave Mid-American Conference preseason favorite Miami all it could handle Tuesday afternoon in the 2021 spring season opener for both squads at the Miami Field Hockey Complex.
After an early goal from the RedHawks (1-0), the Cardinals were able to tie the score late in the second quarter against the league's three-time defending regular season and tournament champions. However, Miami was able to escape with a 2-1 victory thanks to a late-minute goal in the non-conference showdown.
It's the second straight meeting Ball State has battled Miami to the final seconds on its home field, losing a 1-0 overtime thriller to the RedHawks to open conference play last season.
"This was a tough one," head coach Stephanie Bernthal said after the game. "It's the second year in a row we have lost at Miami on a last-second corner. However, what's exciting is our players have fought to put us in a position to win big games like these. We are on the brink of great things."
Miami got off to a quick offensive start, scoring at the 10:52 mark in the opening quarter. Ball State then turned up its defense, holding the RedHawks scoreless until the last minute of play. Â
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Newcomer Hannah Johnston made her first collegiate appearance as the Cardinals goalie, deflecting 11 of Miami's 13 shot on goal.Â
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Although, the Cardinals only got three good looks at the net, Michaela Graney was able to make the most of her first shot of the season, hitting the back of the cage to even the score at 1-1 at the 25:01 mark in the second quarter.Â
Veteran redshirt senior Sierra Jefferson took the corner, and senior Jenna McKune served as stopper, with both being credited with assists on the goal.Â
After that, the game was a stalemate until the final minute of the fourth quarter..Â
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The Cardinals applied a lot of defensive pressure against Miami's offense that created some great attacking opportunities for BSU throughout the entire contest, especially in the final minutes. But towards the end, Miami was able to get in scoring position as time was winding down. Â
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After the RedHawks took two shots that were both blocked by BSU's relentless defense, a penalty would then be called against the Cardinals with just 29 seconds left in regulation. Unfortunately, Miami was able to capitalize on the opportunity and score the winning goal.
"We played a hard-fought game today, and the heartbreak will continue to drive us to work harder and grow even more unified," Bernthal added. "We know what we are capable of and we are undeterred by coming up inches short today."
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The Cardinals and RedHawks will not face off in league action until the last weekend of the season (April 22-23), when Miami travels to the Briner Sports Complex. Â
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Ball State returns to action Sunday (March 7), when it welcomes No. 8 Louisville to Muncie for a 1 p.m. ET start at the Briner Sports Complex. Unfortunately, the contest will not be open to the general public due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.Â
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For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State field hockey team, please follow @BallStateSports, @CoachBERNbsu and @BallStateFH on Instagram and Twitter.
After an early goal from the RedHawks (1-0), the Cardinals were able to tie the score late in the second quarter against the league's three-time defending regular season and tournament champions. However, Miami was able to escape with a 2-1 victory thanks to a late-minute goal in the non-conference showdown.
It's the second straight meeting Ball State has battled Miami to the final seconds on its home field, losing a 1-0 overtime thriller to the RedHawks to open conference play last season.
"This was a tough one," head coach Stephanie Bernthal said after the game. "It's the second year in a row we have lost at Miami on a last-second corner. However, what's exciting is our players have fought to put us in a position to win big games like these. We are on the brink of great things."
Miami got off to a quick offensive start, scoring at the 10:52 mark in the opening quarter. Ball State then turned up its defense, holding the RedHawks scoreless until the last minute of play. Â
Â
Newcomer Hannah Johnston made her first collegiate appearance as the Cardinals goalie, deflecting 11 of Miami's 13 shot on goal.Â
Â
Although, the Cardinals only got three good looks at the net, Michaela Graney was able to make the most of her first shot of the season, hitting the back of the cage to even the score at 1-1 at the 25:01 mark in the second quarter.Â
Veteran redshirt senior Sierra Jefferson took the corner, and senior Jenna McKune served as stopper, with both being credited with assists on the goal.Â
After that, the game was a stalemate until the final minute of the fourth quarter..Â
Â
The Cardinals applied a lot of defensive pressure against Miami's offense that created some great attacking opportunities for BSU throughout the entire contest, especially in the final minutes. But towards the end, Miami was able to get in scoring position as time was winding down. Â
Â
After the RedHawks took two shots that were both blocked by BSU's relentless defense, a penalty would then be called against the Cardinals with just 29 seconds left in regulation. Unfortunately, Miami was able to capitalize on the opportunity and score the winning goal.
"We played a hard-fought game today, and the heartbreak will continue to drive us to work harder and grow even more unified," Bernthal added. "We know what we are capable of and we are undeterred by coming up inches short today."
Â
The Cardinals and RedHawks will not face off in league action until the last weekend of the season (April 22-23), when Miami travels to the Briner Sports Complex. Â
Â
Ball State returns to action Sunday (March 7), when it welcomes No. 8 Louisville to Muncie for a 1 p.m. ET start at the Briner Sports Complex. Unfortunately, the contest will not be open to the general public due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.Â
Â
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State field hockey team, please follow @BallStateSports, @CoachBERNbsu and @BallStateFH on Instagram and Twitter.
Team Stats
BALLST
MIAMI
Goals
1
2
Shots
3
23
Shots on Goal
2
13
Saves
11
1
Corners
1
11
Offsides
0
0
Fouls
0
0
Scoring Plays
LOCHMOELLER, Neely (1)
Off deflection in traffic.
10:52
GRANEY, Michaela (1)
Assisted By: JEFFERSON, Sierra , MCKUNE, Jenna
Off corner
25:01
NUGENT, Lexi (1)
Assisted By: BERLIE, Leonor
GOAL by MIAMI NUGENT, Lexi, Assist by BERLIE, Leonor, goal number 1 for season.
59:31
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
D
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