After a heart-wrenching 1-0 loss on senior day to Appalachian State, the Ball State field hockey team bounced back in a spectacular fashion, securing their most lopsided win of the season with a resounding 7-0 victory over Queens University of Charlotte. This Sunday afternoon showdown in Louisville, Kentucky showcased the incredible talent of the Cardinals, particularly standout player Emma Hilton.
In what was a remarkable display of offensive prowess, the Cardinals managed to find the back of the cage seven times, making it not only the highest-scoring game of the season but also the most significant goal tally in a single game since their impressive victory against Bellarmine on October 11, 2015.
The match got off to a slow start with neither side managing to score in the first period. However, it didn't take long for Ball State to make their mark in the second period. Graduate student Kerrianne McClay set the tone with the first goal, a penalty corner shot, assisted by the ever-capable senior Emma Hilton and graduate student Libby Krauss. Just over three minutes later, senior Michaela Graney continued the onslaught with another penalty corner goal, expertly assisted by the same duo.
As the game progressed into the third period, it was once again Kerrianne McClay who found the back of the net, this time with a goal assisted by Krauss and freshman Nadine Loeps. However, it was in the final period that the Cardinals truly shone, displaying their most successful period of the season.
Senior Michaela Graney continued her scoring spree, securing her second goal of the game and seventh of the season, thanks to a penalty corner assist from Kerrianne McClay. Following suit, sophomore Fleur Knopert, who has been having a standout season, added her 13th goal of the campaign, a result of a scramble in front of the cage, with an assist from senior Rachel Bohn.
The fourth period was not short of excitement either. After nearly 10 minutes of play, senior Paloma Gomez Rengifo capitalized on a Queens University turnover to notch her third goal of the season. Just two minutes later, sophomore Christine Ditizio joined the scoring frenzy, recording her first career goal for Ball State with a shot from the top of the circle.
The Cardinals' defense also deserves recognition, as they allowed only three shots on goal during the entire contest, all of which were expertly saved by senior Hannah Johnston.
Ball State's next match is a crucial one, a MAC contest against Miami, in Oxford, Ohio. With a record of 11-7, Miami promises to be a formidable opponent in this key matchup. Emma Hilton and the rest of the team are sure to bring their A-game as they look to build on their impressive performance against Queens University of Charlotte.
Image Source: Ball State Athletics