For the second consecutive year Ball State defeated the Kent State soccer team in the opener of Mid American Conference play.

The Cardinals (7-1-2) who won for the fifth straight game scored eight minutes into the game and didn’t look back until they had a 3-1 victory Friday.

Kent State’s Lisa Kurz answered with a goal in the 22nd minute of play to tie the game at one.

Ball State converted on a penalty kick minutes before the half to retake the lead. The Cardinals, who added an insurance goal late in the game, out-shot Kent State 20-9. Kent State goalkeeper Alicia Fernandez recorded six saves in the loss.

Yesterday, an early first-half goal by sophomore midfielder Caitlin Hester withstood and gave Kent State (4-5-0, 1-1 MAC) its first road win this season, 1-0 over the Miami RedHawks. It was Hester’s second goal of the season.

Miami had its chances for the equalizer but couldn’t convert. The RedHawks nearly scored on a shot off the crossbar but was cleared by the Kent State defense. A headed ball off a corner kick sailed wide of the goal for Miami.

The Flashes were outshot in the second half 13-2, but the defense and goalkeeping prevailed to give Kent State the victory. The Flashes play at home Friday and host MAC foe Central Michigan at 4 p.m.

Contact soccer reporter Steve Voicik at [email protected].