After a loss to open up Big Ten Conference play on Friday against Maryland, IU bounced back to defeat Ball State, 2-1, on Sunday.
Senior forward Maddie Latino scored the game-winning goal with just under five minutes to play in the game.
This wasn't the Hoosiers' first victory over the Cardinals, as IU beat Ball State, 5-2, in a preseason scrimmage.
Ball State appeared on the board first with a goal in the 15th minute of play.
About 10 minutes later, IU answered with a goal from freshman forward Bente Buwalda, who came to IU from the Netherlands.
Buwalda scored her first goal of the season Sunday.
“I was really relieved that I could finally put the ball in the net," she said. "I have really improved on the press and team tactics as well as corners."
On the stat sheet, IU dominated Ball State with 16 penalty corners compared to the Cardinals' five. In addition, IU had 26 shots and nine on target while Ball State only had eight with three of those on target.
"I think everyone worked really hard, and even though we were all really tired, we kept pushing ourselves," Buwalda said. "It was really nice to have family and friends out here to support us. Moving forward, I think it is important that we get enough rest."
IU Coach Amanda Janney said she was happy to get the win in the last game of the recent four game homestand.
"Feels good just to get back in the win column," Janney said. "Maddie just makes plays happen. She really has such a variety of ways to score. Bente is a good scorer. I think she has done a great job to adjust to our different style of hockey, and it’s nice to see her rewarded with a goal today."
IU will play its second conference game of the season Friday against Rutgers.
"The eagerness from the team to score is there," Janney said. "It is just a test of patience when we know that goal is going to come. Rutgers is going to be a battle, and we are excited to get to Jersey and play them."
