Two Cardinals Score Goals, Walsh’s First Win Highlights Season Opener

Friday, August 26

Muncie, Ind.

1 pm

Ball State University

(1-0)

Saint Francis University

(0-1)

SAINT FRANCIS

Ball State

Two Cardinals Score Goals, Walsh’s First Win Highlights Season Opener

August 26, 2022 | Field Hockey

Box Score Photo Gallery

MUNCIE, Ind. - Freshman Fleur Knopert and junior Maureen Donegan each scored a goal to help move the Ball State field hockey team past Saint Francis University by a score of 2-1, to give new head coach Caitlin Walsh her first win at the helm of the Cardinals.

"I think we have a great group of ladies," Walsh said. "The team stuck to the game plan today which is so rewarding giving all the hard work they put in on field this spring and during fall camp. They came ready to go in the preseason and that proved to be true today."

After a defensive battle in the first quarter of play, the Cardinals would waste no time finding the back of the net in the second frame of action. Fleur, who joined the team in late May from the Netherlands, would be the first Cardinal to find the back of the cage at exactly the 22:47 mark. SFU would then answer quickly off a penalty corner to knot the game 1-1 prior to intermission.

With just over three minutes remaining in the third period, Donegan made a swift move in the scoring circle to earn her fifth goal of her career. Donegan's goal gave BSU back the 2-1 edge over the Red Flashes. Knopert was accredited with the assist on the play.

Ball State was able to keep on the defensive pressure throughout the remainder of the contest despite some close calls thanks to goalkeeper Hannah Johnston who compiled 10 saves on the day.

The Ball State field hockey team will remain at home at the Briner Sports Complex next weekend when the Cardinals host Lehigh (Sept. 3) and Villanova (Sept. 4). Both are scheduled to begin at noon.