As the last five minutes ticked down, the Ball State bench started to get louder. Screams of encouragement rang out as a familiar scene unfolded. It looked like another game dominated by the Cardinals might slip away from them.
Friday's game against Marshall was scoreless to that point. Each team had gotten their chances on goal, but failed to convert.
The Cardinals were scrambling to get an attack on goal when the ball was cleared to freshman midfielder Ellie Chadick. She dribbled a few times and then ripped a shot from 20 yards out. The ball floated over the goalie's head and into the side netting.
Ball State's bench erupted. After a season of offensive struggles, it was the next step in the team's progression.
"All week my coach has been telling me to take those shots," Chadick said. "So, I guess he was right."
The goal opened up Marshall's defense and Ball State tacked on more in the 86th minute. Freshman Jasmine Moses scored her third goal of the season.
"That's one of the joys of coaching this team; we have different personnel that have different styles," coach Craig Roberts said. "We adjusted one or two positions and, hence, broke them down a little bit better."
Moses and Chadick were two of the later substitutions in the second half that energized the offense. Chadick was very active up the left sideline, winning balls and playing beautiful crosses into the box all game long. Roberts was particularly impressed with her game.
"We wanted her to be more aggressive in how she was going for balls and taking shots," Roberts said. "I think she has a great shot and we've been encouraging her to unleash that. I don't think that'll be the first one she gets this season."
With the win, Ball State improved its record to 4-3-1 on the season. The team plays again Sunday when it travels to IPFW.
Coming in to Friday's game, Marshall had the reputation of being a physical, and sometimes dirty team. However, Chadick said she thought Ball State really took it to them.
"We definitely wanted it more than they did," Chadick said. "We were playing aggressive, winning every 50-50 ball, so I think we deserved to win."
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