For the first time in its program's 36-year history, the Ball State University women's basketball team will play a game outside of the United States.
The Cardinals announced Tuesday that it will be one of four teams participating at the Caribbean Classic on Dec. 20-21 in Cancun, Mexico.
Third-year coach Kelly Packard said in a statement Tuesday that one of her goals since being hired at Ball State was to schedule a destination tournament.
"The ability to blend athletic competition with various culture and travel experiences is a unique opportunity for our student athletes," she said.
Along with Ball State, the Caribbean Classic will include the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Illinois State University and the University of Nevada.
The bracket and schedule for this tournament has yet not been released.
The Cardinals finished last season 14-17, including a non-conference victory against Illinois State, and lost in the Mid-American Conference Tournament quarterfinals.
Ball State is 4-4 all-time against Illinois State. The Red Birds finished last season 28-8 and advanced to the postseason Women's National Invitation Tournament semifinals.
Nevada also reached the postseason WNIT after finishing 17-15 and advancing to the Western Athletic Conference Tournament championship game. Their upcoming game in Mexico will be the first time Ball State and Nevada will each other.
Alabama Birmingham ended last season 17-15 and failed to reach a postseason tournament. The Cardinals and Blazers are 1-1 all-time with their last game against each other during the 2001-02 season.
This is the fifth year of the Caribbean Classic, which is coordinated by Triple Crown Sports.
The Colorado-based company also coordinates the preseason and postseason WNIT and men's basketball tournaments in Cancun.
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