Women’s soccer ended its last road trip of the season on a positive note at Ball State after a loss in its first game at Miami.

The Huskies (4-9-3, 2-4-2 MAC) lost Friday’s match 2-0 against defending conference champions Miami (OH), (8-6-2, 5-1-2 MAC). On Sunday, NIU played Ball State (9-4-3, 4-2-2 MAC) to a 2-2 draw in double overtime.

The Miami RedHawks were just as good as expected, and they dominated the game defensively. The Huskies were only able to get one shot on goal while the RedHawks’ offense was as strong as its defense, getting in 22 shots with 12 of those shots on goal. NIU head coach John Ross was impressed with

Miami’s play.

“They were very good at getting the ball into the defensive third,” Ross said. “They made smart decisions. We’d like to hold possession more, but Miami did a good job of attacking that.”

In an attempt to improve the defense, Ross moved Courtney Ksiazek into the back line. She, along with goalkeeper Amy Carr, who had a then-season-high nine saves, kept the Huskies in the game. Ksiazek thought the team did well despite the loss.

“We gave a good effort,” Ksiazek said. “We just couldn’t stop their speed up top.”

The Ball State Cardinals gave the Huskies another tough game, but this time NIU was able to match its opponent offensively. Freshman Jess Wooldridge scored both of the team’s goals. Her first goal tied the game at 1-1. Her second, off an assist from Ksiazek, put the Huskies in the lead before Ball State’s equalizer less than a minute later.

“It was a great team effort,” Wooldridge said. “I couldn’t do it with my teammates.”

Carr had another great game, setting a new season-high for saves with 11. Her biggest moment was in overtime with a save on a controversial Ball State penalty shot. Ross disagreed with the call by the referees. He was given a yellow card, while assistant coach Connor McKee was given a red card and sent off.

Ball State was more aggressive than Miami offensively, getting off 27 shots with 13 on goal. NIU was able to match the intensity throughout the match. Ross was pleased with the team’s overall performance.

“I thought our girls came out and played hard,” Ross said. “They were aggressive. We got a better as a team. Taking away a point is a positive.”