A second-half comeback Sunday propelled Ball State to a 3-3 tie in double overtime against Bowling Green.
The Senior Day tie snapped a five-game losing streak for the Cardinals (6-7-1, 0-5-1 Mid-American Conference), but they are still looking for their first conference victory.
After going down early in the second half, Ball State exploded for three goals in 20 minutes to take the lead.
The turning point was an injury to forward Robyn Miley. After the freshman went down, Ball State's intensity shot up and it played with a sense of urgency.
"We have a very close knit team and we always encourage team unity efforts," coach Craig Roberts said. "The team responded to her, and we like for that to show through."
It was the breakout match for Ball State's offense. Constant pressure in the penalty box yielded 10 corner kicks and 27 shots. Senior midfielder Missy Gordon and sophomore forwards Paige Stroinski and Shaniece Thorpe each netted a goal.
"We are starting to link together and know how each other play," Stroinski said. "We just become more confident with our success."
It wasn't the day for defense. Despite the offensive surge, Ball State surrendered an equalizer from Alyssa Zuccaro in the 82nd minute, which proved to be the final tally of the game.
The Cardinals tried to take the positive out of the match. Sunday's game gave Ball State its first point in Mid-American Conference play.
"We knew it was a now or never thing and we had to pull points out of the match," Gordon said. "At least we broke our losing streak. That gives us something to build upon."
The Cardinals are in last place in the West Division. With only five matches to go, the team recognizes the need for wins.
Ball State takes on Buffalo and Kent State next weekend. Both teams have only one conference win, so the Cardinals know it will be a good opportunity to gain ground.
"The division separating the last four teams in the MAC could be a tie or one win," Roberts said. "We are to the stage where we must win games now."
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