Season Opener on the Horizon
The Ball State Cardinals will begin their 2026 field hockey campaign with a two‑game road swing that opens on Friday, August 28, in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where they will meet Bucknell University at 4 p.m. Eastern time, followed by a Saturday afternoon clash with Sacred Heart at 1 p.m.
The matchups mark the first meeting between Ball State and Sacred Heart, while the Cardinals know Bucknell well, having dropped a 3‑0 decision in their most recent encounter in Columbus, Ohio, a result that still fuels their desire for redemption.
A Road Trip to Lewisburg
Coached by Caitlin Johnson, now in her fifth season at the helm, the team will travel to Graham Field at Holmes Stadium, where a freshly resurfaced turf promises a fast, even playing surface for the early‑season tests.
Johnson will lean on a core that blends experience with fresh talent, including All‑Mid‑American Conference Freshman Team honoree Jade Vandevoorde, who contributed three goals and 22 shots a year ago.
Key Players to Watch
Vandevoorde returns alongside veterans Emily Risser and Jessica Rochat, who provide depth in midfield and defensive stability, while nine newcomers look to make immediate contributions.
Looking Ahead
After the Pennsylvania swing, the Cardinals are slated to face Lehigh on August 5 and Iowa on September 6, games that will serve as further benchmarks as the program seeks to build momentum heading into the rest of the schedule.