The Ball State Cardinals remain undefeated on their home pitch on breast cancer awareness night, winning their match against Kent State, 3-1.
This was Ball State's sixth Mid-American Conference (MAC) game of the season, making their overall record in the conference, 3-0-2, with their overall record on the season evening out to 5-5-2.
Aggressive offensive play from the Cardinals allowed them to build up plays in their midfield and allowed for attacking players to push upward. One of these attackers tonight was the junior forward Lexi Fraley, scoring early, 14 minutes into the first half.
“[In] the MAC, just every game means so much,” Fraley said. “Every game we have to come out and show who we are.”
Fraley’s aggression was mirrored by Emily Roper later in that same half, as she scored the Cardinals' second goal of the match 36 minutes in.
“I mean, my goal is just to score goals and win games,” Roper laughed. “I just want to make the biggest impact for my teammates.”
The fight carried over into the second half of the match, landing Fraley her second goal of the night. She attributes this ability to keep fighting to her team and their combined energy.
“I’m glad how we came out today. The energy was there and I think we really showcased what we can do” she said.
Fifth-year head coach Josh Rife loved the offensive play he saw tonight and how the Cardinals were able to attack the Flashes' defense.
“One of the things that have consistently shown up for us is our offensive,” Rife said. “I am just super proud of this group…they’re on the front foot hungry.”
While the win tonight meant a lot to the team in terms of their conference standings and how well they played, it was also because of the dedication tonight to breast cancer awareness.
According to Rife, his Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer around 6 years ago, and for him, ‘Pink-Out’ nights changed forever.
“Unfortunately, it [Breast Cancer] affects a lot of people, a lot of families,” Rife said. “To be able to bring a little bit of awareness and honor those… days like today ‘care’ a little different.”
Roper and Fraley echoed the honor of playing for Breast Cancer awareness, saying that it definitely played a part in fueling their fires tonight.
“I had a neighbor who died of breast cancer in high school, so today, I was playing for her,” Roper said. “It’s my favorite game, Pink-Out, I love wearing pink.”
Ball State will be away Sunday, Oct. 8th, at 1 p.m. against Buffalo.
Contact Trinity Rea via email at trinity.rea@bsu.edu or on X @thetrinityrea.
