Dominating games without yielding results isn't enough anymore. Ball State needs points.
With five matches left in its Mid-American Conference schedule, all focus is on getting a bid into the MAC Tournament.
"In these remaining games, we need points to have a realistic opportunity to get into the tournament," coach Craig Roberts said.
Only eight of the 12 MAC teams make it into the field, and the Cardinals are currently on the outside looking in.
This weekend provides a great opportunity for the team. Ball State competes at Buffalo on Friday and at Kent State on Sunday. Their opponents have a combined two wins on the season, neither against a MAC team.
"Coming away with a win in these two games would be huge when it comes down to four or five teams at the end," Roberts said.
In Ball State's last game, the team picked up its first point of the conference season with a tie against Bowling Green. It brought the Cardinals' record to 0-5-1 in MAC play and cleared a psychological hurdle.
"It got the monkey off our backs," senior midfielder Cortney Coombs said. "We needed a spark under us. It is a relief to know it's possible to come back and make a run at the tourney. Two wins would be a huge step."
The importance of this weekend's games intensifies looking at the Cardinals' remaining schedule. Ball State finishes off the season hosting Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Toledo. All three teams are undefeated in the MAC West Division.
Despite their long odds, the Cardinals going about things the right way. They are staying positive and maintaining a fighting attitude.
"Anything is possible around tourney time," senior forward Jacki Eft said. "Winning the MAC and getting into the NCAA Tournament is still our goal, that hasn't changed. Just our immediate, urgent goal is to get into the MAC tourney. We need to get it done and win out."
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