By: Jack Ashby
Ball State Sports Link
The Ball State Cardinals welcomed the No. 22 Kent State Golden Flashes to Briner Sports Complex for the last game of the regular season.
Ball State brought great energy to the field and fought competitively against their opponent. Michaela Graney and company did their best to hold off the offensive powerhouse but fell just short with a final score of 2-1. Ultimately, Kent State relied on what they do best to come out on top and that is consistency.
Throughout the first quarter, Ball State came out to play solid defense and denied five shots from the offensive powerhouse. Thereafter, Michaela Graney threaded the ball through multiple defenders off a penalty corner and recorded Ball State’s only goal this match (14:44).
However, Ball State ultimately gave up ten penalty corners to the Golden Flashes and gave multiple scoring opportunities to their opponent. Kent State would eventually score both of their goals from penalty corners to take the lead.
The Cardinals played relentless defense but ultimately fell to Kent State. Hannah Johnston and her team recorded twenty-four saves on the day but eventually wore down as the match proceeded. Clara Rodriguez Seto was the Golden Flashes saving grace and recorded both goals for the team.
Both teams battled down to the wire, but Ball State simply allowed too many penalty corners for the Flashes. The Cardinals ultimately fall to 4-13 on the season and aim to reassert themselves in the MAC conference next season.
