Unsolved mysteries lay in the back of coach Kelly Packard's mind before her Ball State's lopsided 105-56 victory against St. Joseph's College, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
As she watched her team outscore, out-hustle and outplay their opponent, Packard couldn't help but brag about her four freshmen.
"More than anything else it was a great showing from our freshman class," she said. "They really know how to compete."
The combination of guards Brandy Woody, Jordan Huber and forwards Jazmin Hitchens and Katie Murphy scored 32 of the Cardinal's 105 points.
Without former Cardinals' standout Audrey McDonald, senior Emily Maggert said the freshmen have come ready to play and are on their way to defining their role on the team.
"It's awesome to have freshmen come off the bench and be confident and willing to step into Audrey's shoes and take over that role," Maggert said. "We will need that down the road, and the sooner they figure that out the better."
Huber was unstoppable from beyond the arc for the Cardinals, scoring all 12 of her points with 3-pointers. Huber said she felt more excited than nervous.
"There's always going to be nerves no matter what, she said. "I think it was more excitement than nerves, even though I'm a freshman. Every game after I hit the first three I calm down a lot and relax and feel like I can play."
As Huber shot the long ball, flashes of McDonald popped into the mind of Packard.
"Without a doubt," Packard said. "I'm not a very good coach if I didn't go get a great shooter. Catch and shoot, and that's what she'll do."
Maggert hopes the rest of the younger players can catch on to Huber's shooting abilities.
"Huber took hold of that and ran with it," Maggert said. "We can only hope the other freshman play very well too."
The Cardinals gave the Puma's fits all night. Hitchens was all over the court defensively, drawing two consecutive charge fouls and snagging four defensive boards.
Packard couldn't help but recognize the strong defensive play from her freshman.
"She's active," Packard said. "She has busy hands, loves to play that end of the floor, and anticipates."
Along with Packard, Huber noticed Hitchen's play as well.
"She plays hard, ridiculously hard," Huber said.
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