Terwilliger Earns First MAC Win in Shutout Fashion Over Ball State

Friday, September 25

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

1 p.m.

Central Michigan University

(3-7 (1-1))

Ball State

(2-6 (0-2))

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Ball State	0	0	0	0	0
Central Michigan	1	0	0	0	1

CMU Game Notes (PDF)

Photo by: Jolene Hebeler '30 - @jolenesphotography

Photo by: Brayden Gallagher

Terwilliger Earns First MAC Win in Shutout Fashion Over Ball State

9/25/2026 3:22:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score Photo Gallery

Billig collects her second shutout on the season, Ryon scores second game winning goal.

By: Jasper Gallagher

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan Field Hockey won its first Mid-American Conference game under first-year Head Coach Kelly Terwilliger, 1-0 over Ball State, Friday, Sept. 25.

The Chippewas struck first, with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Annabelle Cotroneo inserted to Teah Savignano, who stopped for Carolena Ryon, who found the back of the cage on Central Michigan's first corner of the game. It was Ryon's fourth goal, Cotroneo's second assist, and Savignano's first assist of the season.

Central Michigan maintained the 1-0 lead through three quarters. CMU earned its first penalty shot of the year with 10 minutes remaining in regulation, as Sophia Havrilla broke low and drew a foul on a BSU defender. Ryon took the penalty attempt, which was blocked by the padded hand of the Cardinal keeper.

Ball State pulled its keeper with three minutes of game time remaining, but the defense held strong the rest of the way, securing the win.

Junior keeper Jenna Billig earned her second shutout of the season, collecting four saves in the effort.

"For me, the whole team is involved in this win. Our sideline energy brought it." Head Coach Kelly Terwilliger said, "We didn't do a lot of interchanging, subbing, so they needed kind of that belief on the sideline in their own teammates.

"What we've been working on this season is believing in our play. I think getting something on the board gives them that scoreboard kind of validation that their hockey is good. Goals are tough to come by in this sport. Getting that validation on the scoreboard helps give them that confidence to keep playing our hockey."

BSU led the advantage in penalty corners and total shots, with five and 16, respectively. The Chippewa defense stood tall, stopping 12 Cardinal shots before Billig had the opportunity to make a save.

Pre-game, international players from both the Chippewas and Cardinals rosters were recognized as the Chippewas celebrated their global connection game. Combined, the rosters feature 15 international athletes, representing eight countries.

Central Michigan Field Hockey will return to the pitch Sunday, Sept. 27 to battle No. 4 Massachusetts, who is coming off a 7-0 win over the Kent State Golden Flashes. During the game, Central Michigan will recognize the 50^th anniversary of the 1976 AIAW State and Regional Championship team.

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