With the Mid-American Conference tournament less than a week away, Ball State (39-13, 17-3) capped its regular season strong going 4-0 after a 8-5 win over Bowling Green on Sunday.
The Cardinals were down one run for the most of the game before scoring three in the fourth to take the lead.
Ball State gave it back in the fifth to fall down by one run again but kept fighting to even in up before sophomore left fielder Jennifer Gilbert put them ahead for good with a home run in the sixth inning.
Gilbert now has 18 home runs on the season, extending the Ball State single season record.
Senior catcher Amanda Montalto broke another Ball State career record. After two walks, Montalto increased her career total to 106.
Freshman right fielder Loren Cihlar hit her first career home run in the sixth inning.
Senior pitcher Kim Mazzapica (23-3) pitched well enough in seven innings allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out three. She currently holds the highest single season winning percentage in school history.
Despite inconsistencies, coach Craig Nicholson said he is happy with the way both of his starters are throwing as the team now switches gears to prepare for the MAC tournament.
With a six game winning streak and the Cardinals losing only three games in the last month, Nicholson is as satisfied with his team as he could be heading into the tournament.
"We played great down the stretch, for sure, in conference," Nicholson said. "We obviously won a championship and that's a big accomplishment for this program and this team."
Nicholson said he told the team the second season starts and it's time for them to re-focus after working so hard to close out the regular season championship.
"Win or lose, today, it was nice to be able to have senior day and celebrate those seniors with no pressure to win a ball game today," Nicholson said.
The team now has the No. 1 seed and has cruised through the MAC conference schedule sweeping both the No.2 and No. 3 seeds.
The MAC tournament begins Wednesday with Ball State not having to play until Thursday because of the double bye. The Cardinals will play the winner of Ohio or the winner between Toledo and Western Michigan.
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