After shots glanced off the crossbar and other missed opportunities in the first half, Ball State changed tactics to get more space up front.
Coach Craig Roberts moved his forwards farther up the field to open passing lanes and that was all the team needed.
Within 55 seconds, Ball State scored and the goals started pouring in. The Cardinals got another 10 minutes later and finished off the night with their third goal in the 87th minute.
The 3-0 victory over Murray State was Ball State's second consecutive opening-season win under Roberts.
"The midfielders made good, selective passes and our forwards created opportunities all night," Roberts said. "Our effort and play was very consistent, especially from the freshmen."
The freshmen shined, but it was the veterans who provided the scoring punch.
Junior co-captain's Brigit Reder and Skylar Chew both scored off headers assisted by midfielder Amanda Dreyfus while junior Maggie Brown scored a goal from eight yards out to cap off the game.
Ball State had seven corner kicks to Murray State's two and used that to their advantage. Both headers came off set pieces that Roberts said has been an area of focus.
The team plays its final game of the Western Kentucky Tournament against Western Kentucky on Sunday.
With their opening-weekend games on the road, Roberts said the team's bond has already been growing.
"Team chemistry is one element I like to build my team's off of," Roberts said. "The girls are becoming consistent in their roles and their confidence is already building."
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