Women's Basketball Celebrates Unforgettable Season At Banquet

MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State University women's basketball team wrapped up its 2008-09 season on Saturday afternoon as the Cardinals held their annual postseason banquet in Cardinal Hall located at the LA Pittenger Center located on BSU's campus.

The Cardinals had an unforgettable season with so many accomplishments which included the programs first ever Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The women's basketball team made history with its 71-55 first round upset over Tennessee at the NCAA Tournament. Ball State won its third straight MAC West Division title, posted the best MAC record in program history 14-2 and best home mark at 14-1.

Senior Porchia Green was named First Team All-MAC for the second straight season and was tabbed MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Junior Danielle Gratton earned Third Team All-MAC honors along with teammate sophomore Emily Maggert. Gratton made the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District V Team and Academic All-MAC. Packard also earned the Maggie Dixon Rookie Coach of the Year and Ball State Women's Basketball was named Pontiac GMC Game Changing Performance.

The coaching staff handed the team their NCAA Tournament first round watches amongst a number of awards. Green and senior Kiley Jarrett along with Gratton earned team captain awards. Senior Dana Moorman received the Cardinal Pride Award, Green was also tabbed Most Valuable Player. Freshman Jade Barber was tabbed Most Improved Award.

Gratton was granted the Feeney Memorial Scholarship. The Feeney scholarship was established in 1995 and is awarded to the player who demonstrates passion and commitment to basketball and academics.

Freshman Suzanne Grossnickle received the Amy Lindsay Fuller Memorial Scholarship. Fuller scholarship was established in memory of former BSU standout Amy Fuller who was a two-year letterwinner at BSU and whose life was cut tragically short in an automobile accident on Nov. 28, 2004. The scholarship was established for two reasons: to assist with a scholarship for Amy's son ? Aaron Cordell ? and two honor a played who emulates Amy's individual qualities and characteristics.

Cardinal Postseason Awards

Team Captain Recognition

Porchia Green, Kiley Jarrett and Danielle Gratton

Most Improved Award

Jade Barber

Cardinal Pride Award

Dana Moorman

Most Valuable Player

Porchia Green

Feeney Memorial Scholarship

Danielle Gratton

Amy Lindsay Fuller Scholarship