MUNCIE, Ind. ? Ball State women's basketball head coach Tracy Roller will miss the Cardinals' games this week at the Lady Rebel Christmas Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been advised by her doctors not to travel and to rest, as she is recovering from mononucleosis and an inner ear infection.
Associate head coach Lisa McDonald, who is in her seventh season on Roller's staff, will serve as acting head coach in Roller's absence. This marks the first time in Roller's coaching career she will miss a game due to illness.
“I am extremely disappointed that I will not be traveling with the team to our challenging tournament in Las Vegas,” Roller said. “I hope this sacrifice will allow me time to get healthy for the upcoming Mid-American Conference season. I know the team will be in great hands with Associate Head Coach Lisa McDonald as well as the rest of my awesome staff.”
The Cardinals are set to face perennial Big South power Liberty on Thursday in the first game of the Christmas Classic at 8 p.m. (ET) at the Cox Pavilion. Ball State will meet either Austin Peay or tournament host UNLV on Friday evening in the consolation/championship game.
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