MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State University head women's basketball coach Kelly Packard announced that seniors Danielle Gratton, Audrey McDonald and junior Emily Maggert have been named the 2009-10 captains for the Cardinals this season.

"Having great leadership is such an integral part of any team. I am excited about the leadership Danielle, Audrey, and Emily will provide this season, and the responsibility they desire to share with our coaching staff in laying a foundation for success," said Packard. "They have valuable playing experience, and valuable experience in facilitating team chemistry and relationship dynamics."

Last season, the trio combined for 51 percent of Ball State's total scoring and 43 percent of its rebounding.

In her debut season as a Cardinal, Gratton tallied 409 points and 244 rebounds last year. She was fourth on the team in scoring (11.7 ppg), first in rebounding (7.0 rpg) while shooting 89 percent from the charity stripe.  Gratton knocked down 44 three-pointers in 2008-09 which ranked third on the team from behind the arc.  Gratton started all 35 games last season.

McDonald averaged 11.5 points per game in 2008-09 while leading the team from three-point range hitting 95 treys last season.  She shot 84 percent from the free throw line and averaged 2.8 rebounds per game.  McDonald needs 16 three-pointers to break the all-time record at Ball State.  McDonald currently holds the WNIT record for three-pointers made with 13 which she accomplished last year.

Maggert shot 54 percent from the field last year leading her team in field goal percentage. She also led the Cardinals in points with 470 and was third in rebounding averaging 6.0 boards a game.  Maggert received All-Mid-American Conference Tournament Team honors after averaging 13.3 points per game and 4.0 rebounds during the MAC Tournament.

The Cardinals posted their best ever overall and home records, 26-9 and 14-1, respectively in 2008-09. Ball State also had its best MAC showing, turning in a 14-2 ledger. BSU won its first ever MAC Tournament Championship and had its first NCAA Tournament berth, where the Cardinals defeated national power Tennessee in the first round.

The Ball State University women's basketball team will open the 2009-10 season at Big Ten foe Michigan, Nov. 13.