Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Ball State University Creative Services
Pereira’s OT Goal Carries Cardinals Past Bellarmine
April 02, 2021 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. - Redshirt senior Rachel Pereira knocked in the assist from newcomer Paloma Gomez Rengifo off of a corner in overtime to lift Ball State (4-5) to a 2-1 victory over Bellarmine (0-7) Friday afternoon in the Briner Sports Complex. The game-winner was scored in just a little over two minutes into the 10-minute overtime period (62:33).
A quality scoring opportunity which was turned away by Bellarmine led to a penalty corner to the right side. Rengifo fed the ball to Pereira who's shot zoomed past the Knight's goalie right into the net to seal the win for BSU. It marked the third goal for Pereira this season and the 10th of her career as a Cardinal.
The goal was the icing on the cake to what was one of Ball State's most impressive offensive showings under third year head coach Stephanie Bernthal as the Cardinals outshot the Knights, 24-7.
Ball State's first goal that was scored today came from freshman Emma Hilton early on in the second period to give the Cardinals the 1-0 edge over the Knights at intermission.
After the half, Bellarmine began to heat up defensively, preventing less opportunities for Ball State to get a good look at the back of the net in the second 30 minutes of regulation.
As time was winding down, the Cardinals still had the 1-0 advanatage until Bellarmine's Amber HofenkJeremb snuck one past senior goalie Grace Chavez with just three minutes remaining in the contest, ultimately caused the game to go into an extra period.
This is Bellarmine's inaugural season at the NCAA Division I field hockey level and come next fall the Knights' will officially be a member of the MAC. The Knights are coached by former Ball State field hockey alumnus Devanny Kuhn Boisvert who played for the Cardinals from 2008-11.
The Ball State field hockey team continues its two-game series against Bellarmine on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET in the Briner Sports Complex.
As a reminder, based on guidance surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, general public attendance will not be permitted at the Briner Sports Complex this season but you can catch the Cardinals live on ESPN+.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State field hockey team, please follow @BallStateSports, @CoahBERNbsu and @BallStateFH on Instagram and Twitter.
A quality scoring opportunity which was turned away by Bellarmine led to a penalty corner to the right side. Rengifo fed the ball to Pereira who's shot zoomed past the Knight's goalie right into the net to seal the win for BSU. It marked the third goal for Pereira this season and the 10th of her career as a Cardinal.
The goal was the icing on the cake to what was one of Ball State's most impressive offensive showings under third year head coach Stephanie Bernthal as the Cardinals outshot the Knights, 24-7.
"We are a team full of so much potential," Bernthal said. "We continue to grow every game in ways that are so cool to watch. Today we attacked as a full group in an awesome way — our finishing is almost there, but still is taking time to click. Kudos to Bellarmine for fantastic defense. We played strong defensively — big shout out to Senior Grace Chavez for a huge performance. She has been an amazing catalyst for our team as a leader all year, and has grown so much during her career here. I'm so proud of Grace. Rachel again stepped up under pressure and finished the game for us. I can't say enough about the leadership on this team and how contagious it is."
BSU is a team that typically is known for its outstanding defense has now seemed to put another piece of the puzzle together after today's offensive showing.Ball State's first goal that was scored today came from freshman Emma Hilton early on in the second period to give the Cardinals the 1-0 edge over the Knights at intermission.
After the half, Bellarmine began to heat up defensively, preventing less opportunities for Ball State to get a good look at the back of the net in the second 30 minutes of regulation.
As time was winding down, the Cardinals still had the 1-0 advanatage until Bellarmine's Amber HofenkJeremb snuck one past senior goalie Grace Chavez with just three minutes remaining in the contest, ultimately caused the game to go into an extra period.
This is Bellarmine's inaugural season at the NCAA Division I field hockey level and come next fall the Knights' will officially be a member of the MAC. The Knights are coached by former Ball State field hockey alumnus Devanny Kuhn Boisvert who played for the Cardinals from 2008-11.
The Ball State field hockey team continues its two-game series against Bellarmine on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET in the Briner Sports Complex.
As a reminder, based on guidance surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, general public attendance will not be permitted at the Briner Sports Complex this season but you can catch the Cardinals live on ESPN+.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State field hockey team, please follow @BallStateSports, @CoahBERNbsu and @BallStateFH on Instagram and Twitter.
Players Mentioned
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