BY JACK KIZER | BALL STATE SPORTS LINK
The Ball State field hockey team has two key late-season matchups approaching this weekend.
In the first of two vital conference games, the Cardinals will travel to Missouri State Friday afternoon to take on the Bears.
Ball State (1-2) only leads Missouri State (1-3) by a half game in the Mid-American Conference standings, but a loss would push the Bears ahead of the Cardinals into fourth position in the conference — a spot Ball State currently is clinging to.
Missouri State has a 2-9 record on the season, with both wins coming on its home turf. Ball State on the other hand has produced three of its six wins on the road.
Lexi Kavanaugh and Mikayla Mooney lead the Cardinals with four goals a-piece, while similarly Andrea Soler Codina and Liz Young lead the Bears with four goals each.
The second of Ball State’s matchups comes at home Sunday against the Redhawks of Miami. This one contains a little more significance as it is Senior Day and the final of five home games this season for the Cardinals.
Bryce Barnes, Jordan Dues, Kavanaugh, Mooney and Morgan Nash have all been consistent starters and will be honored in Senior Day ceremonies.
Miami stands at 8-7 and will face Appalachian State Friday before Sunday’s matchup against Ball State. Forward Paula Portugal has 12 goals for the Redhawks this season, and will provide a large challenge for the Cardinals’ defense.
Ball State Sports Link will have coverage of Sunday’s game on Facebook Live and ballstatesports.com starting at 3 p.m. John Gordon will produce and direct the broadcast, while Jack Kizer and Alex Thomas will have the call.
About the Ball State Seniors:
- Barnes is a four year letterwinner on defense. Barnes recorded her first career goal on Nov. 1, 2014 against Miami. For the 2016 season, Barnes has one goal, three assists and five points.
- Kavanaugh led the team in scoring for her first three seasons and is currently tied for first in goals (four) so far in the 2016 season. The forward made her first career goal in her first collegiate game on Sept. 1, 2013 at James Madison.
- Nash made her first career start in her freshman season against then #12 Northwestern. The midfielder/forward notched her first career goal against Mid-American Conference opponent Ohio on Oct. 19, 2013.
- Mooney, a four year letterwinner, recorded her first collegiate shot and assist in the 2-1 win over Colgate on Sept. 8, 2013. The midfielder is one of two captains for the 2016 Cardinals and currently shares the lead for goals scored with four.
- Dues, the team’s goalie, recorded her first collegiate save versus Kent State on Oct. 19, 2013. Dues has played in all 15 games in goal for the Cardinals this season, tallying 1103:47 minutes and 76 saves. Dues goes into this week with a .643 save percentage.
