Ball State University
(0-1)
Villanova University
(1-0)
Field Hockey’s Comeback Falls Short at Villanova, Knopert Scores Two Goals
August 25, 2023 | Field Hockey
Offensively, the Cardinals were led by Knopert with four shots, three shots on goal and two scores. Knopert now has 11 goals for her career. In her season return, Rengifo tallied three shots and scored one goal.
Defensively, Hannah Johnston had 16 saves and the Cardinals as a team deflected many more.
With any season opener both squads came out of the gates with some first-game jitters. Villanova controlled the tempo early in the first frame of action striking first to take the 1-0 edge over Ball State. The Cardinals defense then picked up the pace allowing Emma Hilton to make a nice move from midfield where she passed the ball to Fleur Knopert. Knopert would then even the score 1-1 with a shot up the middle at the 3:45 mark.
Both teams battled back-and-forth in the second 15 minutes of the contest but unfortunately, for the Cardinals, the Wildcats' Amanda Middleman tallied her second goal of the ball game giving Villanova the 2-1 lead over Ball State. Shortly after, the Wildcats earned a penalty shot but a nice save from goalie Hannah Johnston stopped Villanova from increasing their lead.
Following intermission, Villanova added two more goals in the third period to jump to a 4-1 cushion. The Cardinals held the Wildcats scoreless in the final 15 minutes of play. Ball State's comeback fell short as time expired.
The Ball State field hockey team continues its five-game road stretch when it plays at Lehigh Sunday at 1 pm ET at Ulrich Field.
Team Stats
MIDDLEMAN, Amanda (1)
GOAL by VU MIDDLEMAN, Amanda (FIRST GOAL), goal number 1 for season.
4:48
KNOPERT, Fleur (1)
Assisted By: HILTON, Emma
GOAL by BALLST KNOPERT, Fleur, Assist by HILTON, Emma, goal number 1 for season.
11:15
MITCHELL, Meghan (1)
Assisted By: MIDDLEMAN, Amanda
GOAL by VU MITCHELL, Meghan, Assist by MIDDLEMAN, Amanda, goal number 1 for season.
21:19
MIDDLEMAN, Amanda (2)
Assisted By: SCHWARZ, Emma
GOAL by VU MIDDLEMAN, Amanda, Assist by SCHWARZ, Emma, goal number 2 for season.
34:22
O'NEILL, Evelyn (1)
GOAL by VU O'NEILL, Evelyn, goal number 1 for season.
44:27
KNOPERT, Fleur
GOAL by BALLST KNOPERT, Fleur.
56:12
RENGIFO, Paloma
GOAL by BALLST RENGIFO, Paloma.
56:40
