Ball State Gets First Win at Appalachian State
Friday’s Scoreboard
Ball State 1, Appalachian State 0
Miami 5, Central Michigan 0
Stories Courtesy of MAC Sports Information
Ball State 1, Appalachian State 0
Box Score
BOONE, N.C. - The Ball State field hockey team defeated Appalachian State in overtime by a score of 1-0 Friday afternoon in Mid-American Conference action.
This marked the second-straight overtime game the Cardinals had played this week. Ball State managed to rebound after Monday's 5-4 OT loss to UC Davis.
"Today was an awesome team effort," Ball State head field hockey coach Stephanie Bernthal said. "We have been building so many tactical concepts and today we were able to put the pieces all together and execute. I'm so proud of how the team has grown hungrier and stronger through adversity."
Redshirt sophomore Rachel Pereira found the net with 77:21 left on the clock in overtime, to give Ball State (1-8, 1-1 MAC) its first victory of the season. With the loss, Appalachian State falls to 4-7 on the season and 0-3 in league play.
It was a defensive battle for the entire 70 minutes of regulation as both teams, despite their efforts, couldn't find the back of the net. Sophomore goalkeeper Grace Chavez led both goalies with five saves. Today's victory marked Chavez's third win of her career.
Offensively, four Cardinals managed to get shots off but couldn't score until Pereira's third try of the day. It was Pereira's second goal of the season and for her career.
"This team has heart and strong leadership," Bernthal said. "We have a great challenge on Sunday, when we will take on the top team in the nation. We will enjoy the victory for a few hours and then get back to work. We wouldn't have it any other way."
The Ball State field hockey team will wrap up its competition in North Carolina when it takes on the nation's top team Sunday the UNC Tar Heels at 1 p.m. in Chapel Hill, N.C.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State field hockey team, please follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateFH.
Miami 5, Central Michigan 0
Box Score
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The Miami University field hockey team shut out Central Michigan on Friday by a 5-0 margin. The RedHawks improve to 8-4 on the season while the Chippewas drop to 1-12 overall.
"Today was not an easy win," said senior back/midfielder Avery Sturm. "It took a lot of effort and teamwork to get the outcome that we got today. We were able to really trust in each other and in our game which made it possible for us to connect on the field."
"Today was an important MAC game and we knew it was going to be a battle," said red-shirt senior back/midfielder Mariona Heras. "We had to be prepared to fight for 70 minutes and we did. We started the game with really good energy which gave us confidence. We worked hard in a field that was not easy. We were able to support each other and execute at both ends of the field."
Miami quickly gained possession of the ball, getting the first shot of the game just 20 seconds into play. The RedHawks took two more shots in the first three minutes before earning the first penalty corner of the game just four minutes in.
Leo Berlie's initial shot on the penalty corner is turned away by the Chippewa goalkeeper. The rebound is kicked right to the stick of Noor Breedijk, whose shot is tipped in by Mariona Heras for her second goal of the season.
In the ninth minute, Central Michigan takes a shot that sails wide of the RedHawk goal. This would be the Chippewa's only shot of the half.
Paula Portugal puts the RedHawks up 2-0 with a goal on the penalty corner in the 12th minute of play. Kirsten McNeil and Kenzie Peterson pick up assists on the direct penalty corner goal. This is Portugal's 13th goal of the season.
Midway through the half, Lexie Nugent scores her fourth of the season off a quick transition pass from Leonor Berlie.
Miami continued to play its possession and passing game, entering halftime with the 3-0 lead. The RedHawks also led in shots (15-1), shots on goal (10-0) and penalty corners (8-0) in the first half.
Miami controlled the ball to start the second half, taking five shots and earning three penalty corners.
With 20 minutes remaining in the game, Heras scored her second of the game directly on a penalty corner, with the feed from McNeil and the stop from Peterson.
After Central Michigan took a timeout, the Chippewas earned their first two penalty corners of the game. The Miami defensive front only allowed one shot total for the two penalty corner opportunities. That shot was blocked before reaching the Miami goal.
In the 56th minute of play, Berlie dribbled the ball into the circle and put a shot in the far side of the goal to give the RedHawks a 5-0 lead. This is Berlie's fourth goal of the season.
Miami kept pressing the remainder of the game. The RedHawks led in shots (27-3), shots on goal (15-0) and penalty corners (11-3).
Berlie led the RedHawks' offense with six shots while Heras led with two goals. Maddie Passarella and Rosie Kalis earned their second shared shutout of the season in the RedHawks' six shutout of the season.
Miami continues conference play on the road at Longwood on Saturday, Oct. 6 at noon.
