When the starting lineups were announced Tuesday against the University of Toledo, Lisa Rusche's name did not blare over the public address system.
Instead, freshman Emily Maggert took the floor for the Ball State University women's basketball team in Rusche's place as the senior watched the opening six minutes from the bench for the first time this season.
Acting head coach Lisa McDonald said she made a game-time decision not to start Rusche.
"We have a motto of 'championship approach,'" McDonald said. "I just thought she was short of that before the game."
McDonald did not give further detail as to what occurred before the game but said the decision to not start her senior forward was a disciplinary action based on Rusche's mindset. McDonald said she was unsure if the issue would require more games.
Rusche also declined to give details as to what occurred but said the pregame incident has been rectified.
"I don't feel that it's necessary since it wasn't a big deal," Rusche said.
Rusche said Wednesday night she hasn't spoken about the situation since the game ended Tuesday.
McDonald said she wasn't putting much emphasis on it, and she still has the utmost respect for her senior forward.
"She's a great kid and doesn't cause problems, so don't think that something terrible happened," McDonald said. "She just came out with something to prove and she proved it."
Rusche played 20 minutes against the Rockets, eight of which were in the first half. She responded to playing a reserve role with 14 points, four rebounds and a season-high three blocks. Ten of Rusche's points came during the second half, helping pad Ball State's final margin of victory.
Despite the abrupt decision, Rusche said, her diminished role didn't provide her extra motivation against the Rockets.
"I play every game with the same mentality," Rusche said. "I played the same amount of minutes, and I ended up scoring the same average."
Despite being out of Ball State's starting lineup Tuesday, Rusche said she would fill whatever role would be best for the team.
"I'm more comfortable starting right now because that's what I've done the past two seasons, but it doesn't really matter to me," Rusche said. "I came off the bench and helped us earn a win, and that's all I care about. Nothing else matters as long as we win."
Ryan Wood contributed to this story.
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