The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Ball State
Ball State Scores Late Goal to Defeat Women's Soccer, 2-1
September 23 | Women's Soccer
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MUNCIE, Ind. – Cailey Starck scored the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute as the Ball State women's soccer team defeated Akron, 2-1, in a Mid-American Conference match Sunday afternoon at Briner Sports Complex. Sophomore midfielder Karina Atkinson scored her first goal of the season for the Zips.
Ball State (5-3-2, 2-0-0 MAC) got on the board 2:40 into the match as Jasmine Moses scored on a one-touch finish in front of goal. Kalynn Flanagan and Pavla Benyrova assisted.
The Zips drew their first corner in the ninth minute and freshman forward Megan Waskowski had Akron's first shot on goal two minutes later. Junior midfielder Kelly DeNiro had back-to-back shots blocked in the 16th minute.
In the 24th minute, senior forward Ashley Hughes sent in an effort that hit the post and Waskowski had another shot on goal at 26:37.
Ball State's Victoria Jacobs had a header that hit the crossbar in the 30th minute, but the Zips grabbed the equalizer at 38:13 when Atkinson scored her first goal of the season off a quick restart from Hughes. The assist gave Hughes a team-high tying three helpers on the season.
The game remained tied at 1-1 heading into halftime as redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Alex Luevano-Harden came up with five saves in the first stanza.
Akron (4-5-0, 0-2-0 MAC) drew the first two corners of the second half and junior defender Amber Kern sent a free kick wide of goal for UA in the 66th minute. With 22 minutes remaining, Luevano-Harden came up with a big save on a breakaway to keep the game level.
Following an Akron free kick in the 79th minute, freshman defender Holly Ohradzansky sent a shot wide left of goal. But with just under nine minutes remaining, Ball State scored the game-winner at 81:08 when Starck's strike from outside the box found the back of the net. Michelle Blok was credited with the assist for the Cardinals.
In goal, Luevano-Harden played all 90 minutes and posted a career-high nine saves. Hughes had a team-high three shots for the Zips and Waskowski had two shots on goal.
While the Cardinals outshot Akron, 26-11, the Zips had seven corners to three for Ball State.
The Zips return home to FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field next weekend for a pair of MAC contests as Akron hosts Northern Illinois on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Toledo on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Zips Notebook: Hughes' assist moved her into eighth all-time on the Akron career scoring list with 20 points … Hughes and Waskowski both have team-highs of three goals and three assists this year … Hughes made her first start of the season.
