The Buffalo Bulls’ women’s soccer team (5-7-6, 2-5-4 MAC) concluded its 2026 season with a 2-0 victory over the Ball State Cardinals (7-6-5, 4-3-4 MAC) Sunday afternoon at Briner Sports Complex in Muncie, Indiana.
Senior Eva Blatz scored the game-winning goal in the 62nd minute, while sophomore forward Sofia Mastracci added an insurance goal in the 79th minute. The victory snapped an eight-match winless streak and marked Buffalo’s Mid-American Conference leading 10th shutout of the year.
Following a scoreless first half, Buffalo broke through on a set piece. Junior midfielder Mae Hunt delivered a free kick into the penalty area, where Blatz connected with the pass and finished past the Ball State goalkeeper to give the Bulls a 1-0 advantage.
Buffalo extended its lead in the 79th minute following another set piece. Defender Maya Galko delivered a corner kick into the box, which sophomore forward Maddy Murphy redirected for another Buffalo’s second goal of the game.
The Bulls outshot the Cardinals 9-4, including a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal, and the Bulls also held a 6-4 edge in corner kicks. Senior goalkeeper Lexie Thompson played all 90 minutes as Buffalo recorded its 10th clean sheet.
Blatz’s performance earned her MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors Tuesday, marking her second recognition of the season after previously receiving the award on Aug.18.
The Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, native finished the season with career highs: three goals, seven points, 24 shots and 1,410 minutes played. She also led the Bulls in goals and points.
Blatz’s recognition was Buffalo’s third weekly MAC honor of the season, joining Thompson’s Goalkeeper of the Week award in August.
Despite missing the MAC Tournament, Buffalo finished its season with five victories, seven losses and six draws, including two conference wins.
The victory over Ball State marked the Bulls’ first win since Sept. 17 against the Central Michigan Chippewas, closing the regular season with their second conference victory.
For Blatz, it was one final decisive contribution in the blue and white, a match-winning goal, a shutout and a conference recognition to close out her collegiate career.
Will Meyer is the senior sports editor and can be reached at will.meyer@ubspectrum.com.
