The Ball State field hockey team suffered its fourth consecutive loss Sept. 21, falling to No. 15 Northwestern 1-5.
After opening the season with three straight wins, the Cardinals have dropped to 3-4.
In the first three matches, Ball State outscored its opponents 10-3. Since, they have been outscored 3-15.
Northwestern began the match with a goal from Dominique Masters in the 14th minute. Caroline Troncelliti followed up in the 17th minute with a goal of her own, and in the 22nd minute Juliet Beatty scored to put the Wildcats up 3-0.
The Cardinals finally got on the scoreboard in the 30th minute, with an unassisted goal from Bethany Han.
The second half was dominated by the Wildcats, with a goal from Isabel Flens in the 49th minute. In the 53rd minute, Ashley Bernardi scored the fifth goal of the game for the Wildcats.
Northwestern dominated statistically, taking advantage of its 15 penalty corners compared to Ball State's five. Ball State was outshot, taking nine shots to Northwestern's 21.
Shelby Henley had nine saves, while allowing five goals.
Ball State will return to action against Central Michigan at 1 p.m. Sept. 27 at home.
