Ball State Field Hockey Puts Up Valiant Effort in MAC Opener Against James Madison

Friday, September 18

Muncie, Ind.

1 pm

Ball State University

(2-4, 0-1)

James Madison University (Black Out Game)

(1-5, 1-0)

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
James Madison	0	0	3	0	3
Ball St.	0	0	0	1	1

Ball State Field Hockey Puts Up Valiant Effort in MAC Opener Against James Madison

September 18, 2026 | Field Hockey

Box Score

MUNCIE, Ind. — The Ball State University field hockey team (2-4, 0-1 MAC) officially opened Mid-American Conference (MAC) play today, dropping a hard-fought contest to James Madison University (1-5, 1-0 MAC) during the annual Blackout Game at the Briner Sports Complex. Despite the setback, the Cardinals displayed immense grit and resilient energy throughout all four periods, proving they are ready to contend with the league's top programs.

The defense anchored the match throughout the first half of play, with both teams heading into a scoreless intermission. After the break, James Madison's Brynna Hill scored back-to-back goals for the Dukes, giving JMU a 2-0 edge over the Cardinals. The Dukes tacked on one more score to end the third quarter with a 3-0 cushion heading into the final 15 minutes of play.

In the final frame, junior midfielder Lauren Lewis and senior forward Julia Verratti engineered several explosive pushes into the attacking circle. Ball State's frontline showed great chemistry, generating high-quality circle entries and earning valuable penalty corner opportunities. The Cardinals capitalized on one of those penalty corners after Jade Vandevoorde inserted to Isabella Fölster, who then found GiGi Ranoldo for her second goal of the season. Unfortunately, the clock ran out before Ball State could complete the comeback.

While the result did not fall in their favor, the performance showcased a cohesive squad capable of battling through adversity. The Cardinals will have a quick turnaround to regroup on their home turf as they host Big Ten opponent Michigan State University this Sunday, Sept. 20, at 12 p.m. ET for Youth Day at the Briner Sports Complex.