When the field hockey team plays Central Michigan at home Saturday, it hopes to avoid its second four-game losing streak of the season.
Head coach Annette Payne said the Cardinals (5-8, 2-2 Mid-American Conference) need to turn the season around, but she didn't specify the areas that need improvement.
"We're just going to work real hard (in practice) and obviously change a couple of things," Payne said.
Senior Kirsty Houghton, who scored once in the 5-2 loss to Ohio State on Wednesday, offered a more-precise analysis.
She said the team's mental game needs work.
"We need to work on coming together as a team, staying focused and doing what we need to do," Houghton said. "We just need to get the job done."
Payne said her team lacked focus against the Buckeyes, but she has stressed focus and consistency all season.
Houghton said the defense also needs work. On Wednesday, Ball State gave up five goals -- the most the defense has allowed all season.
"We just have to stay strong on defense," Houghton said. "We have to stay consistent throughout the game on both offense and defense."
After starting the season 3-1, the Cardinals have dropped seven of their last nine games.
Central Michigan, however, is heading the opposite direction as Ball State. After starting the season 1-5, the Chippewas have gone 3-2 in their last five games, including wins over Stanford and Ohio, who beat the Cardinals 1-0 on Saturday.
The Chippewas currently have a record similar to Ball State at 4-7. The teams are both 2-2 and in third place in the MAC.
To pick up the victory, Payne said her team must start the game tough and stay strong throughout the match.
"We're going to have to come out hard," Payne said. "I think our team knows that, and they're seeing the significance of the games left in our schedule.
Payne said she still has the utmost confidence in the Cardinals, although they are facing their third-straight MAC loss.
"I truly believe in them and believe they will do what it takes (to win)," she said. ..2ouse' McShane
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