Heat rises off the turf, sweat drips down the face, and the ball hits the back of the net. Despite the beating sun and high temperatures, the pace of the game kept tensions high.
Ball State (5-3-0, 0-1-0 MAC) ended their winning streak to start off Mid-American Conference (MAC) play as Bowling Green (4-2-1, 1-0-0 MAC) took home the 2-0 win.
Constant back-and-forth play kept the energy high in the first half. Turnovers, fouls, and corners continued to flip the field.
Bowling Green was first on the scoreboard in the 54’ minute by junior forward Brynn Gardner, assisted by redshirt sophomore forward Alaina Ucapher. Followed by a late goal in the 87’ minute by redshirt sophomore forward Emily Hollar.
Ball State movement slowed down the second half giving Bowling Green more offensive opportunities and runs on the defensive line. The Falcon’s skills showed more as they moved swiftly around defensive players and kept their movement fluent.
“I think the group has shown a lot up to this point, but we saw a little bit of adversity and I didn’t feel like we responded how we needed to,” Ball State head coach Josh Rife said.
Falcon fans came in with vocal excitement encouraging the team, celebrating, and questioning the referee. Their contributions to the win did not go unnoticed in keeping the teams spirits high.
Mike Gilmore, father of Bowling Green senior defensive player Isabelle Gilmore, joined the crowd. “We struggled scoring in the pre-conference games, so it was nice to see them score two goals here,” he said. “The parents travel well. We’re just trying to let them know we’re here, you never know when it could be a boost.”
Ball State took a lot of whistles in the second half, struggling to keep up with their rival. Their anticipation lacked, setting them one step behind to intercept the play reverse the field.
The past three years these teams took turns taking home the win; this trend broke after today's battle.
“I think we are going to respond… We have a lot to prove now,” junior goalkeeper Grace Konopatzki said.
Contact Meghan Sawitzke via email at meghan.sawitzke@bsu.edu or on X @MSawitzke.
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