A modest crowd of 545 gathered at Butler’s Sellick Bowl on a crisp Saturday afternoon, watching the Cardinals and the Bulldogs trade chances in a tightly contested women's soccer contest that ended in a 1-1 draw.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 47th minute of the second half when Mary Jane Keller, a freshman forward for Ball State, found the net for the first time at the collegiate level, giving the Cardinals a 1‑0 lead before Butler could respond.
Butler's Response
Chloe Brecht answered for the Bulldogs just over half an hour later, striking in the 81st minute to level the score and extend the visitors' unbeaten streak against Ball State, a rivalry that last year produced a 2‑2 draw in Muncie.
Goalkeeper Kate Pallante was the wall that kept the Cardinals in the game, making three saves and producing a decisive stop in the final five minutes that preserved the tie.
Statistically, Butler outshot Ball State 12‑4 and earned four corner kicks to the Cardinals' two, while Ball State committed eight fouls compared with six by the Bulldogs; Addie Chester took two shots during her appearance and Kaelyn Valleau also contributed a shot on goal.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals will travel to face Western Kentucky on Sunday afternoon, hoping to build on the momentum generated by Keller’s breakthrough and a resilient defensive display.