Ball State returns from a six-game road trip to open Mid-American Conference play against Western Michigan at 4 p.m. Friday.
The game will be the Cardinals first at home in more than a month.
Ball State's four wins on the trip bring its overall record to 6-2. Ball State has the best mark in the MAC West entering conference play.
After such a strong start, coach Craig Roberts sees no reason to change tactics.
"The only thing that has picked up is the tempo because of the situation," Roberts said. "We have run through the same routine in practice this week as always."
The preseason poll predicted Ball State to finish last in their division, so it's easy to see why play is more intense.
"It motivates me personally because I know what we bring to the table," sophomore midfielder Abby Milillo said. "We just have to go out there and show people that."
Western Michigan is coming off two dominating wins against Northern Iowa and Murray State. The Broncos' offense scored 11 goals in the two games.
Their 4-4 record doesn't show the level of competition Western Michigan has faced. Consecutive losses to Michigan State, Indiana and Cincinnati put the team in a hole early.
Last season, the two teams tied 1-1. The Cardinals have won their past six home conference openers, but they have lost their previous two MAC openers.
"We don't worry about outside factors and play our game," Milillo said. "If we play like Ball State then we can beat anyone in the MAC."
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