Box Score FARMVILLE, Va. – Senior day had a story-book ending thanks to Hollie MacDonald's 12^th minute goal, as the Lancers defeated Ball State 1-0 Friday night. Longwood held on to claim its second Mid-American Conference win and keep itself in the playoff chase.

"It's a good conference win," said head coach Iain Byers. "We started off really well and then Ball State came back into the game; they're a tough team and they made it hard for us. We showed good strength of character to come through the game and we're really proud of the progress we've seen in our ball movement and our belief as a team. To come out with a win is a great thing, especially on senior day for Jessie and Kelley."

Longwood (6-9, 2-3) controlled the first half; for the second-consecutive game the Lancers did not allow a shot on goal in the opening 35 minutes. Friday night, the blue and white didn't allow a shot of any sort in the first half, outshooting Ball State 4-0.

The goal came on Longwood's second shot of the evening. Ellen Ross drove up the left side of the circle and centered the ball; Hollie MacDonald took the pass with her back to the net, spun to her left and fired the ball into the lower right corner for the deciding goal. It was MacDonald's sixth goal of the year and perhaps her biggest, sending Longwood to a 2-3 mark in conference play with 1 game remaining against Kent State.

In the second half, the field leveled, Ball State managed to get off six shots, but only put one on goal. On one of Ball State's four, second-half corners, Tarel Teach took the insertion short and ripped a shot toward cage. Longwood keeper Lauren Bernard was well positioned and kicked the shot away with her right pad.

Perhaps Ball State's best chance came with only 28 seconds remaining. The Cardinals earned a late corner and again played the ball to Teach, this time atop the circle. Teach hammered a shot that skimmed the post and hit the wheel on the outside of the cage. Longwood ran out the clock and escaped the late danger.

For Jessie Diaz and Kelley Fay, the night ended as best it could. In their final home game at Longwood, the two seniors walked off the turf with a win and a big smile.

"Today was a good day, said Fay, "not only because of our senior game, but a big conference game and a big win for us. We worked really hard to keep the 1-0 lead and I think it's a good showing for us going into the final conference game and our aspirations to make the conference tournament. "

Diaz likewise was all smiles after the game, but still sees room for improvement in the final three games.

"It was an important game," said Diaz, "I still don't think that's the best we can do. I think we're a better team, we certainly need to tighten up, up front. We still have a couple more wins in us."

Senior night also saw a season-high attendance with 683 fans taking in the final home game.

"The crowd was wild, it was fun," said Diaz. "It was a great turnout and we appreciate all the love."

Longwood travels to Penn Sunday for a noon, non-conference contest with the Quakers.