A victory at Illinois State University tonight would put the Ball State University women's basketball team at 6-0 for the first time in the program's history.
"I think the team is really looking forward to [setting the record] in the terms of another championship approach that can happen to the team this year," Cardinals' coach Tracy Roller said. "I think the kids are really thinking about that, and we feel like we are really playing for something that's really a special thing. But obviously the kids are thinking about Illinois State the most and getting the win at their place."
Sophomore guard Kiley Jarrett said setting the record would allow the team to reach one step further than they were able to last year.
"We're looking at it as another game," Jarrett said. "I think setting the school record this year at 6-0 after setting a record last year at 5-0 would be a big accomplishment for this team."
Jarrett said that the team is playing with more cohesion than in seasons past. In her opinion, the change has made the Cardinals an even better team this year.
"Last year I think we got some wins in the beginning and we just rolled off of that," Jarrett said. "I think all of our wins this year have been dominate wins from the numbers we're putting up, and I think we're much more focused as a team this year."
Roller said another aspect that makes the team's start so impressive is the level of competition the Cardinals have beaten.
Ball State started the year with a road win at the University of Michigan, followed by three consecutive home victories against Wright State University, Howard University and IPFW. Last Saturday, the squad earned its fifth victory against Butler University at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
"With our schedule we're not just playing any school," Roller said. "We're playing competitive teams in Division I college basketball. We want to make sure we continue to have a tough schedule. The teams we are playing and beating are making this a special run for us."
Though the start has been a strong way to begin the year, Roller said it is only part of a larger goal for the season.
"It's good that we're getting this confidence at the beginning of the year because it's not how you start, it's how you finish," Roller said. "This [start] is making us more confident every day, and it's bringing some attention to kids who have really worked their tail off. So I think it's a real positive for us."
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