For the first time since signing a new contract worth nearly $750,000, Tracy Roller will coach the Ball State University women's basketball team in Worthen Arena tonight.
The Cardinals will play the Hoosier Stars in their first of two exhibition games of the season. The second will be played next week at Purdue and is closed to the public.
Roller said the lack of fans in the second exhibition match will make tonight's preseason game more important to her team.
"I felt like we needed to play at least one exhibition game where we have that game-like atmosphere," Roller said. "I thought it was important for us to go through warm ups, have those nerves and have the fans there. I think this game will give us a good barometer for where we're at."
Ball State returns four of its five starters from last year with the one exception being the loss of point guard Kelsey Corbin to graduation. Cardinals' junior Kiley Jarrett, who came off the bench last year to backup Corbin, was voted as one of three team captains and will start at the point guard position.
Roller said Jarrett's play will be vital to the team's success this season.
"When Kelsey graduated, Kiley and I sat down and I just talked to her about how this is her team," Roller said. "It's obviously everybody's team, but the point guard in our system is a very important part of our success. She's really taken on that role, matured and she's playing really well."
Though Jarrett admitted she was nervous when she initially took over the role, she said those butterflies have long left her. Jarrett was a consistent fixture on the floor last year, averaging more than 15 minutes per game, but she said starting in tonight's game will be a valuable experience for her.
"I think it's going to be good to get out there in the starting spot," Jarrett said. "I think it will help me get ready for the regular season."
Though tonight's outcome doesn't count in the final standings, Roller said she's expecting maximum effort out of her team.
"As long as we play hard, that's the most important thing [tonight]," Roller said. "You're effort should be the same, whether it's a preseason game or the MAC Tournament. So that's what I'll be looking for."
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