In Ball State's first home cross country meet in 13 years, the Cardinals swept visiting Indianapolis 15-50 in Monday's dual meet at the Elks Country Club.
With fans and friends cheering them to the finish line, the Cardinals used the energy of the crowd to take the top eight spots and the meet from the Greyhounds.
"It was really exciting to be running and seeing your friends on the sideline screaming encouragement throughout the entire race. It was the first time in my four years to have a home meet with fans and it made a big difference," senior Sarah Kehe said.
"I wanted the girls to come out of their first home meet since 1996 with a positive experience despite running a very tough course tonight," coach Randy Heisler said.
Redshirt junior Ali Bishel led the way for the Cardinals with a first-place finish in a time of 17:30 on the 3.1-mile course. She crossed the line more than a minute ahead of the next finisher.
"I was shooting for around a 17:30 tonight and so I'm happy with my performance," Bishel said. "It served as a good starting measure for the season."
Heisler said he is very excited that Bishel is healthy and able to compete again.
"When Ali is healthy and doing all the things she needs to do, I'd give her a good chance against anyone in the country," Heisler said.
Seniors Lisa Arrowsmith and Sarah Kehe were the next to cross the finish line, with times of 19:05 and 19:21, respectively.
Rounding out the top five were Allison Blanck with a 19:31 and MaryKate Mellen in 19:46. The Cardinals had six runners who finished in less than 20 minutes.
Coach Heisler said he was very happy with the ladies' performance and credited their great times to the summer conditioning done by assistant coach Claudia Borlee.
"Our girls came in healthier and in much better shape this year," Heisler said. "Coach Borlee had them working in the mountains this summer and the ladies came out of it much more prepared for this fall."
Despite their predicted 11th place finish in the Mid-American Conference, members of the team remain optimistic about the season.
"If the team can progress and improve on each finish we have, with a little positive attitude, the sky is the limit in terms of MAC Champions and beyond this fall," Bishel said.
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