DeKALB —NIU women’s soccer (4-10-3, 2-7-2 MAC) ended their season on a five-match losing streak, falling at home against the Ball State University Cardinals (10-6-2, 7-4-1 MAC) by a score of  2-1 Wednesday.

“We have been here before,” head coach Michael O’Neill said via NIU Athletics. “Sloppy start and then we grew into the game. We finished the game strong, unfortunately, not enough to get anything out of it.”

The Cardinals were off to a quick start, opening up the scoring in the third minute of the game when senior forward/midfielder Addie Chester found the back of the net from an assist by freshman midfielder Lexi Watkins.

It didn’t take long for the Cardinals to score their second goal, as freshman midfielder Izzy Ross put it past the keeper in the fourth minute to make it 2-0.

The Huskies were able to get one back in the 31st minute, when sophomore defender Julianna Hill found the back of the net from an assist by freshman forward Mya Newcombe.

The final score was set at the half, with both teams going scoreless in the second. 

The Huskies had 4 shots on target in the second half, all of which were saved by Redhawks sophomore goalkeeper Kate Pallante.

After ending their season on a five-match losing streak, the Huskies failed to qualify for the Mid-American Conference championships, finishing in 11th place. 

“Lots to reflect on from this year, today’s game is kind of a summary of that, and how we go about fixing that will be the focus now,” O’Neill said via NIU Athletics. “We worked hard, we fought, but we have to make sure we are learning from these moments to prepare for next year, in a different conference, a different environment.”