Tabor Receives Second Team All-MAC Honors

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ball State field hockey senior Audrey Tabor earned Second Team All-Mid-American Conference accolades as announced by the conference office today (Monday, May 3). This marks the second post season award of Tabor's career, as she earned the same honor in 2018.

Congratulations to Audrey — as a senior captain she showed nothing but consistency for us throughout the season. In a year full of so many challenges, she set the tone every day for us," Ball State head field hockey coach Stephanie Bernthal said. Her game grew so much over these four years and we are proud of her."

In a nontraditional senior year, Tabor provided tremendous leadership on and off the field, helping the program successfully navigate the COVID-19 global pandemic and the move to a spring season.

A defensive force to be reckoned with, Tabor started all 16 games for the Cardinals this season. Her ability to intercept and win one-on-one matchups helped the Cardinals neutralize opponent offenses, as teams averaged just 1.81 goals per game against Ball State in 2021. It's the program's best showing on defense since allowing 1.78 goals per game in 2002. Tabor's six defensive saves ranks second in the NCAA and first in the MAC.

As a fly on corners, she helped lead the Cardinals to an 86.5 save percentage (90 corners defended without a goal/104 total corners defended). Tabor was a huge part of the Ball State attacking buildup as a right back. She created countless circle penetrations and set up many of the corners won / goal opportunities. Tabor played all but six minutes this season. She has played every minute of the previous three years. Her speed, grit, and toughness have set her apart as one of the standout players in the conference in individual defense.

For her strong play in the series versus Ohio (March 19-20), Tabor was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week on March 23. Overall, she helped lead Ball State to six wins this season, which was the program's most since 2016. Those wins included shutouts of Longwood (March 27) and Central Michigan (April 18).

A two-time Zag/Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division I National Academic honoree, Tabor led the squad and the MAC with six defensive saves this season, while ending her career with 10.

You can continue to follow the Ball State field hockey team during its off season on social media at @BallStateSports, @CoachBERNbsu and @BallStateFH on instagram and twitter.

Coach Bernthal's Senior Quotes:

Grace Chavez
Grace, thank you for your fun-loving, Norfolk-girl spirit. You are as hard working as they come, and have shown that day in and day out. Thank you for how you have brought fun to every day at Ball State as well. We will always remember you for your cheers during a tough morning conditioning session, or any time the team needed a lift. You always bring the best out of those around you. You are fierce in the goal, and you have become an academic weapon in the classroom. You are looked up to by so many in this program – more than you could ever know. You have blossomed and grown as much as anyone I have ever coached. We are fortunate to have been on this journey with you and are better for it. We love you Grace.

Abby Ferenczy
Abby, you have great courage that has shown the most in this senior year. In the face of challenges, you have risen and made this a year to remember. You have a ROCKET shot, and a knack for creating offensive opportunities. It is a joy to see how your game has elevated so much in these last few months – it's truly a tribute to hard work and determination. You are also someone who has made the last year incredibly fun, thank you for all the little ways you serve so many. We will certainly miss that and we look forward to all that is ahead for you!

Sierra Jefferson
Sierra, when we first arrived at Ball State we discussed how you had the ability and giftedness to be an All-MAC player. You thought we were crazy, and then, through sheer hard work and selfless team play, you achieved that. Your quiet strength and determination has been a light on this team. Thank you for being so steady and consistent as a friend, teammate, and student here at Ball State. You have left your mark on this program and we can't wait to see all that is ahead in life for you. As this chapter closes, we know you are just getting started in so many ways. We will miss you!

Jenna McKune
Jenna, your level of meticulousness is truly remarkable. You have become a true general on the field, mastering tactics and gameplans, and being able to organize so many around you. Your playing IQ has grown at such a high rate as have your technical skills. You have become one of the elite players of this conference due to hard work. Great credit goes to how you study and look to improve in everything you do. You have elevated the discipline and details in this program. Thank you for your focus and your deep love for your teammates. You fight fiercely for them and today we get to fight fiercely to honor you! We can't wait for all that is in store for you beyond Ball State – with hard work, anything is possible for you.

Rachel Pereira
Rachel, you have put five years of blood, sweat, and tears into this program. You are a huge reason for the trajectory of Ball State Field Hockey changing. The path has not always been easy, and for that reason you deserve even more recognition. You have shifted positions as needed for the team – a sign of your versality and toughness. You have stepped up so many times when the team has needed a boost, including so many timely goals. You have also been a welcoming teammate to all who have needed support in adjusting to life away from family or home. Thank you for wearing your heart on your sleeve and pouring yourself out completely for this squad. We will greatly miss you, but keep in mind that wherever this next chapter takes you in the world, your Ball State family will always be here for you.

Audrey Tabor
Audrey, there are few words to describe the competitor you are. Our staff owes great thanks to you for being the first person to pass all of our fitness standards – you showed our team that anything can happen when we put our minds to things and refuse to give up. There are very few players that a coach can say have NEVER had a day when their effort dropped off. You are one of those rare players and people. You have inspired every one of us to dig deeper and work harder for our goals. Your energy and passion are contagious. And most of all, you make it look effortless. You find a way, no matter what obstacle is in front of you. Thank you for being tireless, excuseless, and selfless. You are incredibly gifted and we look forward to watching you soar in life beyond Ball State.

Players Mentioned

Grace Chavez

Abby Ferenczy

Sierra Jefferson

Jenna McKune

Rachel Pereira

Audrey Tabor

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