For the first time this season, women's basketball coach Tracy Roller has every player on her roster available to play.
Ball State University (10-6, 3-2 Mid-American Conference West) has had at least one player in street clothes because of injuries every game this season. The Cardinals, who have relied on their depth, will have a full roster available to play tonight against Miami (Ohio).
"I feel like we could go there for the first time in my life here [at Ball State] and really give them a great game," Roller said.
Becca Bajorek returned to the Cardinal lineup for the last two games, but Brandy Ross was out. Starting leading scorers Julie DeMuth and Tina Bolte also missed the previous game due to injuries. With everyone healthy and available, the Cardinals have a full arsenal looking to earn a win at Miami.
"Everything you need to play in that kind of atmosphere we have," Roller said. "We are deep, we're athletic, we have great leadership, we have a lot of talented offensive players inside and out and we are a great defensive team. Usually when you're playing a Miami team at home, you have to play great defense. I think we have that team this year."
Ball State picked up its second road conference win of the season on Saturday against Northern Illinois. DeMuth and Bolte missed the first game of their college careers, requiring the Cardinals to rely on their depth. Erica Cotton provided an offensive lift with a career-high 17 points and Lisa Rusche grabbed six rebounds in her first-ever start.
"I think we proved that we are a true team," Cotton said. "I think everybody came into that game knowing their role. Nobody went into the game thinking negative - everybody was thinking positive. We just took care of business, and everybody picked each other up."
Rusche said the Cardinals' depth has been important.
"Anybody can step up any day," Rusche said. "Everybody adjusts to how everyone else is playing. Like if one person has a bad day, someone else is going to step up."
Miami (6-10, 1-4 MAC East) is led in scoring by senior guard Cindy Merrill (16.4 ppg). The RedHawks are 2-3 at home this season, while Ball State is 5-4 on the road.
Roller said the keys for success will be to rebound well and prevent Merrill from scoring a big number. She also said the Cardinals have to continue playing hard.
"Good things happen when you play hard," Roller said. "We have not been error free - we've had some rough stretches along the way. But we play hard and I'm really proud of that, and I think the team is too."
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