Murphy's big day not enough, as Soccer falls to BSU, 3-1

MOREHEAD, Ky.— A 12-save day by senior goalkeeper Kaitlynn Murphy wasn't enough as Morehead State fell to Ball State 3-1 at Jayne Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Offensive production was scarce for the Eagles throughout the contest as they only accumulated three shots on goal. The Cardinals countered with 15 of their own, including nine in the second half. Murphy returned after missing two games with an injury and led the way for the Eagles as she collected a career-high 12 saves, including a save off a free kick by senior midfielder Elaina Musleh. Murphy leaped into the air, falling to her right, and with a thrust from her right fist the ball soared over the cross bar for a highlight reel save. The save kept the match tied at zero heading into halftime.

After a scoreless first, the second half saw a flurry of offensive action beginning in the 67^th minute. The Eagles struck first as senior defender Teig Palmateer went up for a header in the goalkeeper's box and was knocked from behind by a BSU defender. The contact led to a penalty kick for freshman forward Dani Wilson and she connected, giving MSU a 1-0 lead. She is now 3-for-3 on penalty kicks this season. 

However, the Eagles would hold the lead for just a little over two minutes. In the 69^th minute, freshman forward Abigail Boswell took a deflected ball and knocked it past Murphy for the tying goal and then in the 84^th minute senior midfielder beat Murphy, putting the Cardinals up 2-1. Junior midfielder Gabby Veldman made it 3-1 as she scored off a deflection in the 86th minute.

"We need players who have tactical knowledge and we need to adjust a few things in the back," said Head Coach Warren Lipka. "We need to compete and we may make some changes."

Morehead State will be in action on Thursday as they start the OVC portion of its schedule on the road at Jacksonville State at 8 p.m.