Falcons Fall in a 2-0 Final to Ball State Friday Evening

Friday, October 14

Muncie, Ind.

4:00 p.m.

Bowling Green State University

7-8-0 (2-5-0MAC)

Ball State

11-2-2 (6-0-1MAC)

Bowling Green

Ball State

October 15, 2016 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Jenna Jorgensen (Assistant Director of Athletic Communications)

Box Score

MUNCIE, Ind. – Despite tallying six shots on the night, the Bowling Green women's soccer team (7-8-0, 2-5-0 MAC) fell to Ball State (11-2-2, 6-0-1 MAC) Friday evening in a 2-0 final in Mid-American Conference action on the road.

"I thought we were really disciplined in the first half defensively, but weren't as sharp on the attacking side of the ball with the space we were given in transition," Bowling Green women's soccer head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. "When we went down two goals, mentality was challenged and we didn't respond well. With that being said, there is a reason why Ball State is currently undefeated in the conference, so I give credit to their performance."

Numerous offensive efforts were tallied by the Falcons, in which redshirt sophomore Skylar Fleak and sophomore Laura Bozzelli each earned two shots apiece on the night, while Bozzelli had one shot land on goal. Over the course of the 90 minutes, junior Madison Schupbach and freshman Maureen Kennedy also had looks at the net.

The Cardinals were able to break the scoreless first half in the 43rd minute and were able to close out with momentum as Allison Abbe scored from 20 yards out with just 2:32 to go before halftime. Ball State then struck again shortly after halftime as Julia Elvbo was able to knock in a header off a crossed in pass from the corner 58:11 into the match to give the Cardinals the 2-0 lead.

In goal for the Falcons was freshman Kathleen Duwve, who made her seventh start of the season, in which she marked two saves and faced a total of 13 shot attempts by the Cardinals.

In addition to Duwve, there were three Falcons who were in action for the entirety of the 90 minute MAC showdown, including freshman Rachel Muller, Kennedy and sophomore Alexis Fricke.

"I thought Rachel Muller and Madison Schupbach played their best games of the season tonight," Coach Basalyga added. "Rachel got moved around in the flow of the game to right back and adjusted well and Madison did a good job on both sides of the ball as our number six."

Ultimately, Ball State held the edge in shots (13-6), shots on goal (4-1) and corner kick opportunities (4-1), although the Falcons were able to hold to disciplined play by only marking five fouls, compared to the Cardinals seven committed on the night.

"Expectations have shifted and we need to rise with the expectations as we continue to battle for a spot in the MAC tournament," said Coach Basalyga.

The Bowling Green women's soccer program will look to rebound as they continue conference play on Sunday, Oct. 16 as it travels to Oxford, Ohio to face Miami in a 1 p.m. matchup.