Coming off the 2006 field hockey season, Ball State University's team didn't quite know what to expect of junior forward Casey Hunsicker and sophomore forward Brooke MacGillivary.
The pair combined for 12 shots and four starts in 20 games last season.
As it turns out, Hunsicker and MacGillivary were just getting warmed up, as the two players lead the team in goals this season.
"I came into this season knowing it would be a whole new role for me, with two forwards graduating," Hunsicker said. "I came in thinking I'd do what I've got to do to help the team."
Entering the season, Ball State was without its three leading scorers from 2006, who combined for 70 percent of the Cardinals' goals last season.
This season Hunsicker and MacGillivary have totaled nine goals through 11 games and have assisted on four more. Overall the Cardinals have four goals all season that have not been scored or assisted by either Hunsicker and MacGillivary.
"They complement each other very well," the team's coach, Annette Payne, said. "They're really committed to the idea of what we try to accomplish in practice."
MacGillivary leads the team with five goals to Hunsicker's four. Senior forward Amanda Pavone is the only other Cardinal who has scored more than once this season, with two goals.
However, MacGillivary said the team doesn't aim for any one player to be the dominate scorer.
"Points don't matter on the team," MacGillivary said. "A goal's a goal, no matter who scores it."
MacGillivary was a freshman in 2006 and played in 16 of the Cardinals' 20 games, but did not make a start. In those games, she managed one goal.
MacGillivary said she did not enter the season with any idea of becoming the team's leading scorer, but was motivated by the team's run to the Mid-American Conference title game in 2006.
"I didn't really have any expectations last year," MacGillivary said. "Then we made it so far, that I was really excited for the opportunity to play this year."
In the first game of this season, MacGillivary scored two goals, including the game winner in overtime, as the Cardinals defeated Villanova University 3-2. Hunsicker scored the other goal Ball State scored in the game.
The pair was also vital to the Cardinals' other win of the season, a 2-1 home victory against Ohio State University. Hunsicker and MacGillivary each scored a goal in the win, and to top it off, each assisted on each other's goal. It was MacGillivary's first career assist.
"As each game goes on, we've gotten more used to playing with each other," MacGillivary said.
Hunsicker said she works well with her teammate, but like MacGillivary, was quick to point out that their teammates have also made valuable contributions to the Cardinals' effort.
"We've been working together really well," Hunsicker said. "But it's important to remember that lots of others have been scoring as well. We have more of that than last year, and that's really important."
Although neither player said they consider themselves offensive leaders on the team, both are excitable and emotional players on the field. Before Ball State's win over Ohio State, Hunsicker break danced in the middle of a team circle to loosen up the Cardinals.
Payne said there's nothing fake about the emotions the two forwards showcase on the field.
"That's just their personality," Payne said. "It's who they are. It's exciting to coach, and it's exciting to watch."
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