The field hockey team heads to Kent State today two games backin the Mid-American Conference and with three games to play.
Because of the gap in the standings, head coach Annette Paynesaid, Ball State needs to finish strong.
"The emphasis is to play these last three games hard," Paynesaid. "It starts with these two this weekend."
After playing Kent State (7-8, 5-1 MAC), the Cardinals (7-9,4-3) will travel to Ohio (5-9, 3-3) Saturday.
The Golden Flashes wait in first place in the conference, withBall State in a three-way tie for second.
Kent State has traditionally been one of the Cardinals' toughestopponents. The two have played 46 times, with one goal deciding 25of the games. They have played 14 overtime and sixmultiple-overtime matches.
The teams split the two games last season as both went toovertime. The Golden Flashes beat the Cardinals 3-2 on Oct. 3 atBall State.
"It's a game that is always tough, and it's always close," Paynesaid. "They're in first place in the MAC right now. Most definitelythere's some incentive to go there and play well."
The game will feature the top-two goal scorers in the MAC. BallState senior Afton Hess leads the conference with 14 goals and 35points. Kent State senior Jennifer Melnyk comes in second with 12goals and third with 25 points.
Ohio has beaten the Cardinals seven straight times, including a1-0 victory at Ball State Oct. 4.
Payne said the upcoming match will also be close, but theCardinals can win if they stay focused, she added.
"I expect a really hard-fought game," Payne said. "We need toplay consistent. We need to play smart."
With three games left before the MAC tournament starts, Paynesaid her team needs to concentrate on fine-tuning their play.
"What we need to work on this weekend is finishing the play andconnecting a little bit smoother on the field," Payne said.
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