Playing her first game since suffering a minor concussion, Brigit Reder didn't second guess her body.
In the 11th minute, junior forward Paige Stroinski sent a free kick into the box towards the junior co-captain. Reder didn't hesitate. She headed the ball into goal to give Ball State a 1-0 lead over Miami.
The Cardinals added another goal ten minutes later when freshman forward Jasmine Moses cut back on her defender and took a shot from 25 yards out. The ball arched over the goalie's head and into the far netting in the corner. It was Moses' fifth goal of the season, ranking her second behind only Reder for the team lead.
That was all Ball State needed to hold off Miami's second half comeback attempt to win 2-1. The win improved the Cardinals record to 2-1 in Mid-American Conference play this season.
Coach Craig Roberts said his team controlled the first half, but tough conditions and an inspired Miami team made the second half a more strategic game.
"Miami brought the game to us in the second half and our girls did well to follow instruction and close the game out," Roberts said. "The weather we faced was very windy and we had to reshape our approach. They got a late goal on us, but our girls were patient and waited for additional breakaways."
Ball State couldn't finish its late chances on goal and Roberts said the new approach they took preserved the lead and the win for the team.
"We solidified up the midfield and tried to win all the aerial battles," Roberts said. "We worked on closing down on the ball quickly and holding our shape."
The tactics worked and improved Ball State's record to 7-4-1 on the season. The win matches the team's win total from all of last season.
Ball State plays at Bowling Green on Sunday with a chance to tie Toledo for the MAC West Division lead if the Rockets lose. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
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