Ball State University’s soccer squad opened its season with a convincing 2-0 win over Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, delivering a performance that highlighted both offensive spark and defensive solidity.
The breakthrough came early, when senior forward Kaelyn Valleau found the net in the third minute after a corner kick swung in by Jess Fernau was redirected by Jordyn Klaasen to Valleau, marking her fourth career goal and second match-winner.
Freshman Anna Kate Robillard doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, capitalising on a loose clearance to slot the ball past the keeper and seal the margin of victory.
Defensively, junior goalkeeper Kate Pallante recorded her fifth clean sheet of the campaign, repelling the opposition’s two shots on target while the Cardinals maintained a 10-to-2 corner advantage, underscoring their set-piece efficiency that had been a focus of training since mid-July.
Coach’s Praise
Head coach Andy Stoots lauded the team’s pressing intensity and tactical adaptability, noting that the players’ resilience amid injuries and newcomers boded well for the road ahead.
The Cardinals will test that momentum next Thursday when they host Butler in another in-state showdown scheduled for 7:30 p.m., a match that promises to further gauge the squad’s progress.