Ball State’s (3-4-1, 1-0-1 MAC) 2-1 victory over Central Michigan (3-5, 0-2 MAC) ended the Cardinals’ three-game losing streak, three-game scoreless streak and gave them their first win in Mid-American Conference play.
“It was a great team win,” head coach Josh Rife said. “Central [Michigan] throughout the game tactically gave us some different problems to solve and the ladies did a great job of adjusting every time.”
The Chippewas started the game off with a goal from redshirt freshman forward Gaelle Wells in the 12th minute off a pass from sophomore forward Jaelyn Domrowlski. Ball State was able to answer back in the 19th minute thanks to senior midfielder Chelcy Ralph scoring from an assist by senior midfielder Jenna Dombrowski.
In the 54th minute, the Cardinals broke the tie when senior defender Lexy Smith launched up a pass that senior defender Grace Alsop headed in to give Ball State the lead and, ultimately, the game.
Ball State outshot Central Michigan 14 to three, as well as outshooting the Chippewas in shots on goal, seven to one.
After three straight games without a goal or a win, Rife said he loved that the Cardinals could finally get points on their side of the scoreboard.
“It was great to score a few goals today.” Rife said. “We hope to build on the performance as we move forward.”
Ball State will go on the road to take on Buffalo on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.
Contact Nate Grubb with comments at nathaniel.grubb@bsu.edu or on Twitter @GrubbNate43
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