Ball State University Athletics
Field Hockey Set for Home Opener at Briner Sports Complex Against Indiana University Sunday
September 11, 2026 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. — The Ball State University field hockey team returns to Muncie on Sunday, Sept. 13, to host its highly anticipated 2026 home opener. After spending back-to-back weekends battling on the road, the Cardinals will take the turf at the Briner Sports Complex at 11:00 a.m. ET to face in-state rival Indiana University. The high-stakes matchup will also double as the program's annual Alumni Game.
The Cardinals (2-2) return home following a grueling four-game road stretch that showcased the team's grit and offensive depth. Ball State split its opening weekend in Pennsylvania, bouncing back from a narrow 1-0 loss to Bucknell to secure a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Sacred Heart. The momentum carried into Iowa City, Iowa, where the Cardinals pulled off a sensational 5-4 regulation victory against Lehigh before dropping a tough contest to the No. 4 ranked University of Iowa.
For her stellar efforts, junior midfielder/defender Lauren Lewis was named the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Lewis served as the offensive catalyst with two goals against Lehigh and anchored the backline with three defensive saves against the Hawkeyes.
Sunday's game renews a historic in-state rivalry. Indiana University comes into Muncie holding a 21-6 all-time advantage along with one tie over the Cardinals. With both programs eager to assert their dominance in the state, Ball State is looking to leverage its home-field advantage to disrupt the Hoosiers. The Cardinals last defeated the Hoosiers in Muncie on Oct. 15, 2023, in a 3-2 victory.
Following the rivalry matchup, Ball State will officially open its MAC season when it hosts James Madison at 1:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 18.
The Cardinals (2-2) return home following a grueling four-game road stretch that showcased the team's grit and offensive depth. Ball State split its opening weekend in Pennsylvania, bouncing back from a narrow 1-0 loss to Bucknell to secure a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Sacred Heart. The momentum carried into Iowa City, Iowa, where the Cardinals pulled off a sensational 5-4 regulation victory against Lehigh before dropping a tough contest to the No. 4 ranked University of Iowa.
For her stellar efforts, junior midfielder/defender Lauren Lewis was named the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Lewis served as the offensive catalyst with two goals against Lehigh and anchored the backline with three defensive saves against the Hawkeyes.
Sunday's game renews a historic in-state rivalry. Indiana University comes into Muncie holding a 21-6 all-time advantage along with one tie over the Cardinals. With both programs eager to assert their dominance in the state, Ball State is looking to leverage its home-field advantage to disrupt the Hoosiers. The Cardinals last defeated the Hoosiers in Muncie on Oct. 15, 2023, in a 3-2 victory.
Following the rivalry matchup, Ball State will officially open its MAC season when it hosts James Madison at 1:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 18.
Players Mentioned
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