After starting the season with a 2-3 record, Ball State University looks to come out firing Wednesday against Miami University.
The Cardinals make their way to Oxford, Ohio as they kick off their Mid-American Conference schedule at 5 p.m.
Ball State has had a short week of practice coming off their weekend loss to the No. 20 University of Michigan, but has made the best of it. The Cardinals have worked hard preparing themselves for a game they know will be tough.
"We've been trying to set the tempo at practice this week so we're ready to go for MAC play," coach Annette Payne said. "We've had a good non-conference and we feel we're ready to open it up [Wednesday]."
Payne said her team has to understand the RedHawks' speed and learn that they've worked on that in practice.
Last season Ball State lost both contests to Miami with scores of 3-1 and 5-0. Playing them twice last year has shown Ball State some of Miami's strengths, which they are learning to counter.
"We have to pick up on their speed and that they can be dangerous at times," Payne said. "We have to stay focused on Ball State hockey and be ready for Miami's aggressiveness."
The team is looking to come into MAC play with a lot of momentum and a win would do just that.
"This game is important for us," Payne said. "I think the kids have been waiting on this for a while. We have to have accountable play and be willing to set the tempo for 70 minutes."
After being shutout last weekend, the confidence level for scoring goals has not wavered at all for the Cardinals.
"We're absolutely confident," Payne said. "We're competitors, we're going to go in there and compete. We definitely need to put points on the board."
Ball State comes into this match-up outshooting their opponents 82 to 69 in their first five games. The Cardinals look to continue that trend all the way through conference play.
"I think it's important what you do in non-conference and how you perform," Payne said. "To get ready for MAC play good competition gets you prepared; I feel like we're prepared."
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