Field Hockey Showcases Resilient Defense in Hard-Fought Loss to Indiana

Sunday, September 13

Muncie, Ind.

11 am

Ball State University

(2-4)

Indiana University (Alumni Game)

(5-2)

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Indiana	0	3	3	1	7
Ball St.	0	1	0	0	1

Photo by: Ball State Athletics

Field Hockey Showcases Resilient Defense in Hard-Fought Loss to Indiana

September 13, 2026 | Field Hockey

Box Score

MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State field hockey team (2-3) suffered a 7-1 setback against Indiana University (4-2) Sunday afternoon at the Briner Sports Complex.

Despite the final score, the Cardinals opened the match with a resilient defensive stand. Ball State withstood a heavy initial attack from the Hoosiers in the first 15 minutes, holding Indiana scoreless despite facing 10 shots and five penalty corners in the opening frame. That defensive grit sparked the offense late in the first quarter, carrying momentum into the start of the second.

Ball State drew first blood early in the second period following a well-executed penalty corner. Jade Vandervoorde inserted the ball to Lauren Lewis, who perfectly set up GiGi Ranoldo to find the back of the net and give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.

The Hoosiers answered shortly after to knot the game at 1-1, adding two more goals before the intermission to carry a 3-1 advantage into halftime. Indiana extended its lead with a three-goal surge in the third quarter, but Ball State regrouped defensively in the final 15 minutes, limiting the Hoosiers to just one final goal.

Cardinals' goalkeeper Carleigh Hofelich anchored the defense under heavy pressure all afternoon. Facing 26 shots on goal and 17 penalty corners, Hofelich delivered a standout 19-save performance.

Ball State shifts its focus to Mid-American Conference play this Friday, Sept. 18, when they host James Madison at the Briner Sports Complex for the annual Blackout Game. The match is scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET start.