The field hockey team can't seem to put together a winning streak.
The Cardinals (5-7, 2-2 MAC) started their conference schedule with two wins, but the team dropped two MAC games at home to Kent State and Ohio this weekend.
In the 3-2 loss to Kent State on Friday, the Cardinals fell behind early. The Golden Flashes scored two goals in the first 20 minutes and took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Ball State fought back and tied the game with goals from seniors Afton Hess and Kirsty Houghton. With 2:54 to play, however, Kent State scored the game-winning goal off a penalty corner.
"We really came back and fought hard in the second half," head coach Annette Payne said. "It doesn't matter how we lost. It still hurts."
The game featured the MAC's two leading scores in Hess and Kent State senior Jennifer Melnyk. Each scored a goal to give them both eight on the season.
The Cardinals suffered another one-goal loss, 1-0, to Ohio on Saturday. Ball State has loss seven straight games to the Bobcats over the past four seasons.
"We have the ability to beat Ohio," Payne said. "It's just that, when you get to the MAC, every game is a tough game."
The Bobcats outshot Ball State 11-6 and held the edge in corners 12-3. Payne said the limited shots gave the Cardinals limited opportunities.
"If we had more shots, we would have had more opportunities to score," Payne said. "We definitely want those opportunities, and we want to look to set up our own shots."
Payne said her team will look for more opportunities today when they face Ohio State at home, but, she said, the team must be prepared mentally.
"We just have to focus and stay focused throughout the game," Payne said.
Ball State has not had luck with Big Ten opponents this season. The Cardinals have played Indiana, Iowa and Northwestern and lost all three games. They have been outscored 7-2 and shutout twice in the three games.
"The Big Ten is just some great competition," Payne said. "We're excited because it's going to be a very good game."
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