Field Hockey Drops Midweek Showdown at Big Ten Foe Michigan State

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Ball State field hockey team (3-12) fell to Big Ten foe Michigan State (4-9) by a score of 5-1 in road action Tuesday afternoon at Ralph Young Field.

It was a very competitive first half between the Cardinals and the Spartans, with both teams keeping up the pace defensively throughout the first 30 minutes of action. In fact, neither team was able to post a tally on the scoreboard in the first quarter. It was not until the 21:34 mark of the second stanza when Bianca Pizano found the back of the cage to give the Spartans a 1-0 edge.

However, the Cardinals were able to answer about four minutes later when Emma van Hal scored on a penalty stroke to knot the game at one goal apiece. It was the eighth career goal for van Hal, who has been a constant offensive force throughout her four-year career with the Cardinals. The effort also sent both squads into their respective locker rooms for intermission tied at 1-1.

Despite the strong first half of play for Ball State, the third quarter saw Michigan State take the lead about 10 minutes into the frame. The Cardinals were able to hold off the Spartans defensively the remainder of the period with hope of tying up the contest potentially in the final 15 minutes of play.

Unfortunately, Michigan State tacked on three more scores in the final stanza giving the game its final margin of 5-1. Overall, van Hal led Ball State offensively with one goal, two shots and one shot on goal. Cardinals' goalkeeper Carleigh Hofelich faced 13 corners and tallied six saves for the game. Hofelich now has 68 saves for the season.

The Ball State field hockey team returns to Mid-American Conference action Friday (Oct. 17), when it hosts Bellarmine. The game is slated for a 1 p.m. ET start at the Briner Sports Complex.

The Cardinals will also recognize its five seniors prior to the contest, while also welcoming back its alumni to the game.

Field Hockey Drops Midweek Showdown at Big Ten Foe Michigan State

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Team Stats

Emma van Hal

Jade Vandevoorde

Reagan Kunkle

Caroline Massey

Players Mentioned

Carleigh Hofelich

Emma van Hal