In light of an 8-1 loss to open the season, Ball State head coach Beth Maddox said her field hockey team must buy into “the system.”
“We need to work smarter, and if we do those things, the results will be much different,” Maddox said. “If we play scared and fight the system, we will lose.”
The team opened its two-game road trip with a match against James Madison on Sunday. The Dukes outshot the Cardinals 32-8, maintaining control for most of the match.
The Cardinals were led by freshman forward Lexi Kavanaugh. The team’s sole scoring shot of the day was also the first goal of her career.
Junior midfielder Tarel Teach managed two shots with one on goal. The Cardinals combined for eight shots on goal, while the Dukes put up 22.
Sophomore goalkeeper Shelby Henley made 14 saves on the day.
James Madison opened its season against Kent State on Friday and defeated the Golden Flashes 5-1.
Maddox said James Madison is a very experienced team, and it shows on the field.
Ball State will conclude its road trip Monday with an 11 a.m. match against Appalachian State.
