Ball State avenged its only 2016 Mid-American Conference loss with a 3-1 victory against the Ohio Bobcats at Briner Sports Complex to stretch their unbeaten streak to four games.
Sophomore midfielder Julia Elvbo led the way for the Cardinals with two goals on the evening. Her first goal came in just the fourth minute as junior midfielder Lauren Roll sent a cross from the right side of the field to Elvbo, who delivered a header into the back of the net.
“It feels good that we’re finishing our opportunities, it’s going to be important [going forward] to finish everything we can.” Elvbo said.
The opening minutes of both halves were kind to Elvbo, as her second goal came in just the second minute of the second half, with another cross finding her for a second header, this time courtesy of freshman midfielder Nicky Potts.
“The only thing I was thinking at the time was just to get a head on the ball, that’s all that went through my head when I saw the ball coming into the box,” Elvbo said.
Lauren Roll got in on the scoring in the 57th minute with an exceptional sliding shot from the top of the box, stretching the Ball State lead to 3-0. Roll and Elvbo became the third and fourth Cardinals to record multiple goals this season, joining sophomore forward Sam Kambol and junior midfielder Amanda Shaw.
The Cardinals controlled Ohio seniors Allie Curry and Hannah Jaggers with strong defense, not allowing the Bobcats to get many shots off. Ball State looked well on its way to another home shutout, but Ohio stopped those hopes with their lone goal coming from a penalty kick in the 69th minute from Curry.
“We were pretty consistent in what we were able to do tonight, there is still room for improvement but we’re delighted with the improvements and we’re taking steps in the right direction,” Ball State head coach Craig Roberts said.
Ohio held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks, but the attempts were consistently denied by the Ball State defense. Ball State more than doubled Ohio’s number of shots, outshooting the Bobcats 13-6. Senior goalkeeper Tristin Stuteville played the entire 90 minutes, recording a pair of saves in her fifth start of the season.
“Anytime you get a 3-1 win at home it’s always a positive for us,” coach Roberts said. “I still don’t think this team is anywhere near its full potential, but to come away with a win when you haven’t played your best is exciting.”
Ball State (4-5- 2, 2-0- 1 MAC) gets a day off before hosting MAC opponent Kent State (7-3- 1, 3-0 MAC) Sunday at 2 p.m. at Briner Sports Complex.
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