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MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Miami University field hockey team overcame a slow start to dominate the final 60 minutes of play and take a 1-0 win over Ball State on Sunday. The RedHawks improve to 10-7 overall and 4-1 in the Mid-American Conference. The Cardinals fall to 7-10 overall and 2-3 in the MAC. With the victory, Miami has officially clinched a spot in the 2016 MAC Tournament, which takes place Nov. 4-5, in Kent, Ohio.

Ball State came out as the aggressors on Sunday, recording the first three shots of the game. Senior goalkeeper Alysa Xavier had to make a kick save on a good opportunity in the third minute to keep the Cardinals off the board. After the first 10 minutes the RedHawks defense settled down and Miami was able to control possession. As a result, Ball State did not have another shot attempt the rest of the game.

Despite two good chances on penalty corners, the `Hawks were unable to convert and the game went into halftime scoreless.

The RedHawks continued to keep the ball on the Cardinals side of the field throughout the second half. Their patience was rewarded in the 53rd minute with a penalty corner attempt. After passing the ball around in the circle, senior midfielder Carla Romagosa found sophomore midfielder Paula Portugal in the left center area about seven yards out. Her shot found the back of the net to give Miami a 1-0 advantage.

The Red and White nearly scored again as they at one point had six penalty corners in a row during a three minute stretch in the final 10 minutes. Ball State pushed the ball into the Miami circle in the final minute of play, but was unable to attempt a shot, giving the `Hawks a 1-0 win.

Miami held a 14-3 advantage in shots and an incredible 13-1 lead in penalty corner attempts. Portugal led the way with seven shots, while junior back Mariona Heras finished with four.

The RedHawks complete the regular season on Saturday when they host Ohio for Senior Day at 12:30 p.m.