Ball State University
(3-5, 1-0MAC)
Central Michigan University
(1-5, 0-1MAC)
Field Hockey Opens MAC Play With 2-1 Win Over Central Michigan
September 17, 2021 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Cardinals stingy defense continues to evolve throughout the season and today was a testament to that. Ball State (3-5, 1-0 MAC) took down the Central Michigan Chippewas (1-5, 0-1 MAC) by a score of 2-1 Friday afternoon in Mid-American Conference action at the Briner Sports Complex.Â
Ball State fourth-year head coach Stephanie Bernthal was proud of the team effort today.
Bernthal also said that it was great to be back on their home turf and the team had a new motto which was "Protect the Nest" and the Cardinals did just that today against the Chippewas. Â
After last weekend, Bernthal said their philosophy for the week was that they had to defend together, they had to attack and finish in the attacking circle. Well, the teams' defense was a big part of the outcome of today's contest, especially after both teams went scoreless for the first 30 minutes of action. Â
Â
.?@CoachBERNbsu? says one of her teams mottos is "Protect the Nest" and today the Cardinals did just that over CMU!#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/ZIBFsLtj5l
— BallStateFieldHockey (@BallStateFH) September 17, 2021
The teams attacking and finishing in the circle Bernthal was talking about became apparent in the opening minutes of the third quarter. It started with a shot from the far post from Lexi Kansky that snuck by CMU's goalkeeper for her first goal of her career. Kansky's score would come off the assist from Agostina Giudice to put BSU on the board first.
Shortly after, Michaela Graney drew a penalty shot which she would connect on to push the Cardinals lead to 2-0.Â
Ball State continued to dominate the field with its aggressive defense while CMU fought just to get a shot off. Â
Finally, with only four minutes remaining, the Chippewas Lauren Buffington managed to score one goal for CMU.Â
As time was winding down the Chippewas desperately tried to score again drawing a few corners, but the Cardinals were able to fend them off and BSU would regain control to finish strong for the victory.Â
Offensively, Ball State had seven total shots with six shots on goal. Guidice led all players with two attempts. Â
Defensively, goalkeeper Hannah Johnston, who earned her first career conference win for BSU, finished today's game with three saves. Â
The Ball State field hockey team returns to Mid-American Conference action on Friday, Sept. 24 for a 3 p.m. ET contest at Ohio.Â
Team Stats
KANSKY, Lexi (12)
GOAL by BALLST KANSKY, Lexi (FIRST GOAL), goal number 12 for season.
31:21
GRANEY, Michaela
BALLST GRANEY, Michaela PENALTY KICK GOAL.
33:35
BUFFINGTON, Lauren
Assisted By: HAVRILLA, Hannah
GOAL by CMUFH BUFFINGTON, Lauren, Assist by HAVRILLA, Hannah.
56:00
