Oct. 9, 2014 Schedule | Live Stats | Road Game Notes | Follow @MSUBearsFHockey
The Missouri State field hockey Bears head to Muncie, Ind., to take on the Ball State Cardinals Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. at the BSU Turf Field. The Bears and Cardinals will be battling for their first conference victories, as MSU sits at 0-2 and Ball State at 0-1. MSU is set to play its third Mid-American Conference game of the 2014 season and second on the road, after falling 4-1 in its MAC road opener at Longwood University on Sept. 18.
Weekend Review
The Bears split two home matches over the weekend, as MSU lost its MAC home opener 2-0 to Kent State on Friday, Oct. 3, but rebounded with a 2-1 nonconference victory over the Davidson Wildcats on Sunday, Oct. 5. Against Kent State, the Bears kept the Golden Flashes in check in the first half, before Kent State scored consecutive goals in a 6-minute span during the second half. In the Sunday matchup against the Wildcats, junior Patrice Ahl scored the first goal of her career to give the Bears a 1-0 lead. Following the Davidson equalizer to make it 1-1, MSU freshman Andrea Soler Codina notched her fourth goal of the season in the 66th minute to give the Bears their first win in their previous seven games.
About Ball State University
The Cardinals head into Saturday's game against the Bears with a 3-7 record overall. Ball State got off to a hot start by picking up victories over Davidson, Appalachian State and Colgate to start the season. Since, the Cardinals have dropped seven consecutive games, including a 2-0 loss to MAC-foe Central Michigan. Bethany Han leads the Cardinals in points (9) and goals (4) this season. Goalkeeper Shelby Henley has a 0.684 save percentage this season and 2.94 goals-against average.
Firsts for a Couple Bears
Junior defenders Patrice Ahl and Jackie Eskue found their way into the box score for the first time in Sunday's victory over Davidson. Playing in the 36th game of her career, Ahl found the back of the net for the first time in her MSU career. Her 50th-minute goal put the Bears up 1-0, while giving her the first two points as a Bear. Eskue, making her 39th appearance, made the assist on the Soler Codina goal in the 66th minute to help give the Bears the 2-1 victory. Her assist was the first of her career.
Speaking of Game-Winners
Missouri State freshman Andrea Soler Codina's 66th-minute goal against Davidson moved her up to third among active goal scorers for the Bears this season. Her fourth goal of the season served as the game-winner, her second this year. Her first game-winning goal came in the Sept. 7 victory over Saint Louis at the Betty and Bobby Allison North Stadium Dedication.
Young Earns MAC POTW Honors
Junior captain Liz Young was named the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week for her performances against UC Davis and Saint Louis, as announced by the conference on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Young earned her first weekly award of her career by making two defensive saves against UC Davis in a 5-4 overtime victory on Sept. 4. She also registered an assist on Charlie Redhead's second goal of the season on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Scherer MSU Student Athlete of Week
Junior Holly Scherer scored a hat trick against UC Davis on Sept. 7, and was named MSU Student Athlete of the Week for her effort. Scherer's third goal of the game in the 80th minute was the game winner in a 5-4 overtime victory against the Aggies.
Bears 7th in Preseason Poll
The Missouri State field hockey team was picked to finish seventh in the Mid-American Conference, according to a poll of the conference's head coaches released Monday, Aug. 25.
The Bears return 12 players from last season, with 312 combined games played between them during their careers.
A Junior-Laden Bears Squad
The Missouri State field hockey team may not have a senior on its roster, but it has plenty of familiar faces. Eleven juniors make up the Bears lineup this year, with ten of those players having game experience for MSU. In all, 12 players return this season having played for the Bears in 2013.
All-MAC Honoree Back in 2014
Junior Charlie Redhead heads into 2014 following a 2013 season that earned her all-MAC second team honors. The midfielder earned her first all-conference accolades for MSU, in part by picking up career-highs in multiple statistical categories. She finished last season third on the team in points and tied for first in assists.
Bears to Play at New Home in 2014
Seven home games highlight Missouri State's schedule in 2014, with the opening of the Betty and Bobby Allison North Stadium. Seating 250, the new stadium will serve as the home for the Bears field hockey program and the lacrosse teams.
Follow the Bears
Check out all the latest news and information on the Bears field hockey team at MissouriStateBears.com and follow @MSUBearsFHockey for updates throughout the season.
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