Ball State University’s field hockey program has unveiled a demanding 2026 schedule that pits the Cardinals against a blend of Power‑4 opponents and Mid‑American Conference rivals, mixing home and away contests to test the team from the outset.
A schedule built for competition
Head coach Caitlin Walsh, now in her fourth season, said the slate reflects the program’s steady growth and the team’s commitment to raising its competitive standard. "We’re excited to see how far we can go," she noted, pointing to the offseason work that has set the tone for the year.
The season will open on the road with matches against Bucknell and Sacred Heart before the Cardinals travel to Iowa, where they will meet Lehigh and the Hawkeyes in a highly anticipated double‑header. A three‑game homestand in September will follow, giving the squad a chance to build momentum.
Later in the month the team heads to Central Michigan and Longwood, then embarks on a grueling October stretch that includes a three‑game conference road swing against Appalachian State, Davidson and Kent State.
The final home stretch will feature contests against UMass, Miami, Ohio and Queens, after which the regular season concludes with games against Bellarmine and Saint Louis in Louisville. The Mid‑American Conference Tournament is slated for early November, rounding out a schedule designed to test depth and prepare the team for postseason play.