The field hockey team opened its season Saturday by winning its fourth consecutive season opener, a 4-0 victory over Radford at Harrisonburg, Va.
The Cardinals followed up their performance by beating James Madison, ranked No. 12 at the end of last season, 2-1 on Sunday.
Before the weekend, head coach Annette Payne said the two opponents had very different styles of play. She expressed concern with having to adjust from one style to the next on consecutive days. The adjustment, however, turned out not to be a problem for the Cardinals.
Against Radford, Ball State started scoring early with a goal by senior Afton Hess 5:20 into the game. The goal was assisted by seniors Becky Weaver and Kirsty Houghton.
Junior Chantelle Isaac added two goals in her first collegiate start. Houghton also scored a goal off a Hess pass.
Sophomore goalie Tracy Bannister posted the shutout in her first start for the Cardinals. She stopped three Radford shots on goal.
Ball State had a significant advantage over Radford in shots, 15-4, and penalty corners, 7-3.
Sunday's game against James Madison was not so one-sided. The two teams were even in shots, 10 a piece, and penalty corners, six each.
Freshman Lindsay Quay gave the Cardinals the lead at the 11:51 mark in the first half with a goal off a pass from Hess. James Madison tied the score with a goal of its own less than a minute later.
Hess then put the Cardinals up for good with a goal with 10:39 to play in the first half. Weaver assisted on the score.
Defense and goal-keeping helped Ball State maintain its lead throughout the second half, holding James Madison scoreless for the final 30 minutes of play. Bannister notched her second win, while stopping one JMU shot on goal.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
