Ball State University Athletics
Friday, October 2
Boone, NC
3 pm
Ball State University
at
Appalachian State University
Photo by: Heather Parker
Field Hockey Cardinals Emerge from Winning Weekend; Head to North Carolina for two-game Road Trip
October 01, 2026 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. — Fresh off a definitive, momentum-shifting victory at home, the Ball State University field hockey team hits the road this weekend for a pair of non-conference matchups in North Carolina. The Cardinals will first square off against Appalachian State on Friday, Oct. 2, in Boone, before pivoting to face Davidson on Sunday, Oct. 4.
Ball State (3-6, 1-2 MAC) snapped a frustrating skid last Sunday afternoon with a gritty 3-1 Mid-American Conference victory over Longwood University at the Briner Sports Complex. The Cardinals completely dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, generating a season-high 21 total shots and 16 shots on goal. Juniors Lauren Lewis, Emma-Lynn Harter, and Emily Kate Covert all found the back of the cage to secure the squad's first home victory of the season. Defensively, the backline stood strong in front of goalkeeper Carleigh Hofelich, limiting the Lancers to just five shots on goal.
Head coach Caitlin Johnson, who signed a contract extension this week, will look to harness that offensive spark as her squad dives back into a pair of historical rivalries.
Ball State and Appalachian State (5-5, 1-2 MAC) will meet for the 18th time since 2009, with the Cardinals holding a narrow 9-8 lead in the all-time series. The Mountaineers claimed the last meeting on October 24, 2025, taking a 3-1 decision in Muncie. Ball State also owns a 5-3 overall mark against Davidson (6-4), though the Wildcats have come away with victories in the last two matchups against the Cardinals.
Ball State (3-6, 1-2 MAC) snapped a frustrating skid last Sunday afternoon with a gritty 3-1 Mid-American Conference victory over Longwood University at the Briner Sports Complex. The Cardinals completely dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, generating a season-high 21 total shots and 16 shots on goal. Juniors Lauren Lewis, Emma-Lynn Harter, and Emily Kate Covert all found the back of the cage to secure the squad's first home victory of the season. Defensively, the backline stood strong in front of goalkeeper Carleigh Hofelich, limiting the Lancers to just five shots on goal.
Head coach Caitlin Johnson, who signed a contract extension this week, will look to harness that offensive spark as her squad dives back into a pair of historical rivalries.
Ball State and Appalachian State (5-5, 1-2 MAC) will meet for the 18th time since 2009, with the Cardinals holding a narrow 9-8 lead in the all-time series. The Mountaineers claimed the last meeting on October 24, 2025, taking a 3-1 decision in Muncie. Ball State also owns a 5-3 overall mark against Davidson (6-4), though the Wildcats have come away with victories in the last two matchups against the Cardinals.
Players Mentioned
Sunday, September 27
Sunday, September 20
Friday, September 18
Thursday, August 27