Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
(3-11, 1-6)
University of Massachusetts
(15-1, 7-0)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| Ball St. | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Field Hockey Suffers 7-1 Setback to MAC Leader UMass
October 16, 2026 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. — The Ball State field hockey team (3-10, 1-5 MAC) suffered a tough 7-1 defeat to Mid-American Conference leader UMass (14-1, 6-0 MAC) on Friday afternoon at the Briner Sports Complex.
The visitors demonstrated exactly why they sit atop the conference standings, unleashing a powerful offensive display. UMass wasted no time applying pressure, establishing control early in the game to build a substantial lead. Despite a resilient effort from the Cardinals on their home turf, the Minutewomen's execution on penalty corners and open-field combinations proved too difficult to contain.
The definitive highlight for Ball State came at the 26:57 mark in the second quarter. Capitalizing on a well-constructed attack, Jemimah Kriechelberg found the back of the cage to score the lone goal for the Cardinals. The play was set up beautifully by teammate Julia Verratti, who provided the assist to spark a wave of energy across the Muncie crowd.
However, UMass responded quickly to stifle any potential momentum, answering with a barrage of their own, including clinical finishes from Sophie Kent, Lina Kroeger, and Neva Eisenga.
Ball State will look to regroup quickly as they remain at the Briner Sports Complex to host longtime rival Miami University (OH) this Sunday at 1 pm ET.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Neva Eisenga
Assisted By: Megan Carpenter , Cara Falconer
GOAL by Massachusetts Neva Eisenga (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Megan Carpenter and Cara Falconer
14:55
Emily Barrett
Assisted By: Niamh McKenzie
GOAL by Massachusetts Emily Barrett, Assist by Niamh McKenzie
25:19
Jemimah Kriechelberg
Assisted By: Julia VERRATTI
GOAL by Ball St. Jemimah Kriechelberg, Assist by Julia VERRATTI
26:57
Sophie Kent
Assisted By: Megan Carpenter , Kristy Leonard
GOAL by Massachusetts Sophie Kent, Assist by Megan Carpenter and Kristy Leonard
32:23
Lina Kroeger
Assisted By: Megan Carpenter , Fiene Jenniskens
GOAL by Massachusetts Lina Kroeger, Assist by Megan Carpenter and Fiene Jenniskens
41:18
Neva Eisenga
Assisted By: Cara Falconer , Maddie Archer
GOAL by Massachusetts Neva Eisenga, Assist by Cara Falconer and Maddie Archer
46:07
Emily Barrett
Assisted By: Niamh McKenzie
GOAL by Massachusetts Emily Barrett, Assist by Niamh McKenzie
49:29
Amber Fairon
Assisted By: Megan Carpenter , Fiene Jenniskens
GOAL by Massachusetts Amber Fairon, Assist by Megan Carpenter and Fiene Jenniskens
54:56
