Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
(2-1, 0-0)
Lehigh University
(1-2, 0-0)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball St. | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
| Lehigh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
Fourth-Quarter Barrage Powers FH Past Lehigh in 5-4 Thriller
September 05, 2026 | Field Hockey
The Cardinals (2-1) outlasted the Mountain Hawks (1-1) in a seesaw matchup that featured nine total goals, ultimately decided by Ball State's ability to ignite its attack when it mattered most.
Lehigh wasted no time setting the pace, capitalizing on early offensive opportunities to jump out to a quick 2-1 lead in the opening quarter. Ball State adjusted in the second frame, tightening its defensive posture to stifle Lehigh's pressure. The tactical shift paid off on the other end of the pitch when Jade Vandevoorde found the back of the cage off an assist from Emalene Harter, sending both teams into halftime deadlocked at 2-2.
The battle intensified after the break. Lehigh managed to reclaim the upper hand in the third quarter, breaking the tie to carry a narrow 3-2 advantage into the final 15 minutes of play.
The fourth quarter, however, belonged entirely to the Cardinals. Ball State's offense erupted for three unanswered goals to completely shift the momentum. Jemimah Kriechelberg sparked the comeback by converting a crucial penalty stroke—her second of the young season—to tie the game. Shortly after, Lauren Lewis delivered the go-ahead score, assisted by Vandevoorde and Julia Verratti, to put the Cardinals firmly in control.
Lehigh managed a late goal to cut into the deficit and keep the pressure on in the final minutes, but the Ball State defense held firm, successfully running out the clock to secure the hard-fought win.
Cardinals' goalkeeper Carleigh Hofelich earned her second victory of the season in the cage. Hofelich anchored the defense against a persistent Lehigh attack, facing 10 shots and two penalty corners while recording three critical saves.
Ball State will have a short turnaround to celebrate the victory. The Cardinals are scheduled to return to Grant Field on Sunday to face Big Ten opponent Iowa, with pass-back set for 12:30 p.m. ET.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Carly Smith (1)
GOAL by Lehigh Carly Smith (FIRST GOAL), goal number 1 for season.
8:18
Julia VERRATTI (1)
Assisted By: Jade Vandevoorde
GOAL by Ball St. Julia VERRATTI, Assist by Jade Vandevoorde, goal number 1 for season.
11:26
Jordyn Pepper (1)
GOAL by Lehigh Jordyn Pepper, goal number 1 for season.
13:56
Jade Vandevoorde (1)
Assisted By: Emalene HARTER
GOAL by Ball St. Jade Vandevoorde, Assist by Emalene HARTER, goal number 1 for season.
19:48
Kristina Johnson (1)
Assisted By: Carly Smith
GOAL by Lehigh Kristina Johnson, Assist by Carly Smith, goal number 1 for season.
34:39
Jemimah Kriechelberg (1)
Ball St. Jemimah Kriechelberg PENALTY STROKE GOAL, goal number 1 for season.
51:04
Lauren LEWIS
Assisted By: Jade Vandevoorde , Julia VERRATTI
GOAL by Ball St. Lauren LEWIS, Assist by Jade Vandevoorde and Julia VERRATTI
53:27
Lauren LEWIS
Assisted By: Jade Vandevoorde , Julia VERRATTI
GOAL by Ball St. Lauren LEWIS, Assist by Jade Vandevoorde and Julia VERRATTI
56:36
Kristina Johnson (1)
GOAL by Lehigh Kristina Johnson, goal number 1 for season.
58:08