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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcons Lose At Ball State, 3-0
November 01, 2001 | Women's Soccer
Nov. 1, 2001
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Bowling Green State University women's soccer team saw the 2001 season come to an end Thursday (Nov. 1), as the Falcons suffered a 3-0 loss to Ball State University. The Mid-American Conference match was held at the Ball State Soccer Field.
With the loss, the Falcons end the 2001 season with an overall record of 7-10-2. BGSU finished 12th in the MAC with a league mark of 2-9-1. With the win, Ball State earned its first-ever trip to the MAC Tournament. The Cardinals, now 11-5-2 overall and 5-5-2 in the league, vaulted past Toledo and Kent State to claim the eighth and final spot for the league tourney.
The Cardinals, who held an 18-4 advantage in shot attempts, got on the board on an Emily Feeney goal at the 35:56 mark. Ehren Reagor drew the lone assist.
Midway through the second half, Julie Pigozzo converted a penalty kick to double the lead. The goal came at the 53:43 mark. Eileen Weinheimer completed the scoring at 72:21.
All eight seniors on the BGSU squad -- tri-captains Leslie Hepfinger, Mandy Smith and Beth Wechsler as well as Annmarie Aparo, Libby Christensen, Meredith Davis, Adrienne Graessle and Michelle Hoyng -- all saw action in the BSU match. The eight players have concluded their respective collegiate careers.
BSU held a 6-2 edge in shots on goal in the match. Falcon junior Erika Flanders made three saves in her 75:31 of action, while freshman Ali Shingler did not face a shot on goal during the final 14:29 of the match.
Megan Swafford made two saves to earn a shutout for the Cardinals.
BGSU held a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks, and the Falcons were whistled for 14 fouls to the host team's nine.
"Of course, we're disappointed with the result," said BGSU coach Andy Richards. "But, I feel that the scoreline is a little unjust.
"I don't know that Ball State is three goals better than us, but it was the same old problem we've had the last few matches. We failed to score, and we've given any goals or been unfortunate with the run of the luck.
"Over the last seven matches, we're very disappointed. Prior to that, I thought we were having a terrific season. I know people tend to look at wins and losses, but I think if we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we've had some successes this year.
"We talk a lot about the experiences and the welfare of our student-athletes. In that respect, we have done well. We have three core values in our program: work hard, show respect for yourself and for others, and have fun. And, on all three counts, I couldn't be more proud of the team. They continued to work hard throughout the season, even during this run at the end of the year.
"Even in the last two matches (3-0 losses at Miami and BSU), we have been the team that is attacking and trying to make things happen. As a coach, you can't ask for better commitment than that.
"They are a fantastic group to work with. So, from a coaching standpoint, I'm disappointed with the win-loss record. But, I couldn't be more proud of the way they have approached the season, and the way they have given 100 percent during the entire season. I think that says a lot about the student-athletes we have at our University and the spirit we have in our group.
"It is very sad to see our eight seniors bow out today, especially as I know they had high hopes for the season. But, we did have a great year last year (BGSU advanced to the championship match of the 2000 MAC Tournament), and I hope that they will cherish those memories, and the overall experience they've had at Bowling Green.
"We're sad to see them go, but we must move on and continue to build our program."
Richards and his assistant, Ashlee Orr, have completed their second year with the Falcon program.
