Ball State snapped its eight-game losing streak as senior Carly Shannon scored the game winning goal in overtime to defeat Central Michigan, 1-0.
The win marked the Cardinals first conference win of the season, broke an eight game losing streak and a three game scoreless streak.
“Coming into this game we knew that the MAC championship was out of the question, so today we talked about what we are playing for and what is left to play for,” Head coach Christy Longacre said. “We were playing for the three seniors on the team who have given a lot back to this program. We play for moving on into the spring and next fall.”
The first half set the tone for a tight knit game. Both teams remained scoreless and kept shots close with Central Michigan having the edge 6-5.
The second half held the same exact theme.
With the shot count tied at 8 and the score still dead-set at zero, the Cardinals headed into their second overtime game this season.
“It felt so good to score the game winning goal since I’m a senior and this is my last time on the field,” Shannon said. “We worked the ball from the back field, passed around and my teammates found me on the top of the circle and I got the goal.”
The Cardinals finished the game with nine shots on goal, eight penalty corners and two green cards. Freshman Grace Chavez finished with six saves and a shutout.
The Chippewas were shutout for the 13th straight time this season and finish the year at 0-18.
While this game was marked as a win for the Cardinals, the team will not be competing in the MAC postseason tournament. According to Longacre, this has not stopped the team from coming out to the field with the same motivation to win.
“We keep going after it no matter what the situation,” Longacre said. “We’re playing for a certain reason and they girls came out with that mentality. Today they gave their best effort for 70-plus minutes.”
With some players seeing this game as their final time playing in Muncie, the win on a cold, rainy Friday afternoon meant much more.
“My goal for the next game is the same as this one to have fun, go out with a win and end on a high note,” Shannon said. “ Even though we are not going to the postseason, that doesn’t mean don’t show up, play with intensity and play to compete. Sunday, we want to have fun, but stay competitive.”
Ball State wraps up it season on Sunday against Miami at 1 p.m.
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