Akron Defense Continues Strong Play Against Reigning MAC West Champions, Ball State

Friday, October 12

Muncie, IN

4 PM

University of Akron

4-9-2, 1-5-1

Ball State University

8-3-2, 4-2-1

OT 3

OT 4

Akron

Ball State

Photo by: Ernie Aranyosi

Akron Defense Continues Strong Play Against Reigning MAC West Champions, Ball State

October 12 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Box Score | Box Score (PDF)

MUNCIE, Ind. -- A double overtime match against the reigning Mid-American Conference West division champions, Ball State, fell in favor of the Cardinals as the Akron women's soccer team fell 1-0 on Friday evening in Muncie, Ind.

"Another good performance and very unlucky not to get something from the game. They didn't trouble us too much and most of their shots were from distance," said head coach Noreen Herlihy. "We had some good looks but didn't capitalize on them, but the performance was there and the players gave it everything. We need to move on right now and look to Sunday.

Offensively, sophomore Lexie Kolano (Trafford, Pa.) led the charge for Akron against the Cardinals and posted two shots. Senior Shea O'Brien (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio), sophomore Angela Boyce (Farmington Hills, Mich.), and freshman Carly Pcholinsky (South Park, Pa.) all chipped in one shot for Akron in the tilt.

In the net for Akron was freshman goalkeeper Erin McKinney (Belvidere, Ill.). In her 10^thstart of the season, the netminder made six saves, increasing her season total to 51 saves and a 1.63 goals against average.

The first half of the match between the Zips and Cardinals was a defensive battle between the two respective squads as seven shots combined were tallied in the first 45 minutes of play, however, only three shots fell on frame.

Akron had two looks at the net in the final two minutes of play in the first half by O'Brien and Pcholinsky, but their shots blocked and went high, respectively.

Following intermission, the Zips defense and goalkeeping continued to shine throughout the second period. While Ball State tallied seven shots in the second stanza, only one shot made it on goal and was pulled in by McKinney.

The contest remained scoreless after 90 minutes of play and was sent into overtime. Akron played in its third consecutive OT contest and four in the last five matches.

In the overtime periods, the Cardinals posted three shots, including the golden goal game-winner at 105:56 mark to secure the win.

Akron heads to Oxford, Ohio on Sunday, Oct. 14, to take on Miami to close out the weekend. The Zips and RedHawks meet on the pitch at 1 p.m.