Soccer Set To Battle Texas Tech Thursday Night

MUNCIE, Ind. - - After a strong opening week, the Ball State soccer team returns to the road Thursday as it heads to Lubbock, Texas, to take on Texas Tech under the lights at the John Walker Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT.

It will be the first meeting between the two programs in the sport of women's soccer.

ABOUT OPENING WEEK:
The Cardinals (1-1-0) came out of the gates strong, opening the season with a 5-1 victory over Mercyhurst last Thursday (Aug. 17) at the Briner Sports Complex. Three different Ball State student-athletes tallied goals in the win, led by senior forward Avery Fenchel's first career hat trick.

Ball State followed with another solid effort at third-ranked Notre Dame Sunday (Aug. 20), allowing just one goal in the run of play during a 3-0 setback. The Irish, who ranked 12th nationally in scoring offense last season, tallied its other two markers off set pieces on corner kicks.

SEASON LEADERS:
Thanks to her hat trick in the season-opener, Avery Fenchel enters the week as the team and Mid-American Conference leader with three goals scored. The effort also helped her climb to sixth in program history with 16 career goals. In addition to leading the MAC, Fenchel's three goals are tied for eighth nationally.

Sophomore forward Emily Roper and senior defender Ryann Locante also scored goals in the win over Mercyhurst and are tied seventh in the MAC with one goal apiece.

With assists on each of Fenchel's final two goals, sophomore midfielder Tori Monaco currently leads the MAC and is tied for 15th nationally with two helpers. Junior defender Maya Millis and sophomore forward Delaney Caldwell also logged an assist each in the win over Mercyhurst and are currently tied for seventh in the league in the category.

After a pair of solid performances in net, junior goalkeeper Bethany Moser enters the week ranked first in the MAC and 68th nationally with nine total saves. She pitched a shutout over her 60:44 of action in last Thursday's win over Mercyhurst, making one save. She followed by making eight saves at No. 3 Notre Dame, falling one shy of her career mark.

SCOUTING TEXAS TECH:
The Red Raiders (1-0-1) are coming off a 5-0 win over New Mexico State last Sunday (Aug. 20). Ashleigh Williams and Alex Kerr lead the team in goals, each with two. Elise Anderson is the team leader in assists with two.

Madison White has started both games in goal for the Red Raiders, allowing just one goal on nine shots faced. She has also recorded one save.

UP NEXT:
After Thursday's contest at Texas Tech, the Cardinals will have a little over a week to focus on training before returning to action Sunday, Sept. 3 at Loyola.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Delaney Caldwell

Avery Fenchel

Ryann Locante

Maya Millis

Tori Monaco

Bethany Moser

Emily Roper