Story Courtesy of Ball State Athletic Communications

CLEVELAND - - For just the second time in program history, the Ball State women's basketball team is headed to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament.

The top-seeded Cardinals (27-7) earned the Mid-American Conference's automatic berth with a 65-58 victory over No. 2 seed Toledo Saturday morning in the championship game of the 2025 MAC Tournament in Rocket Arena.

In picking up his 400th career collegiate coaching victory, 13-year head coach Brady Sallee has the Cardinals heading back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2009 season, when then-No. 12 seed Ball State knocked off No. 5 seed and defending national champion Tennessee in the opening round by a score of 71-55.

Leading the way in Saturday's victory over the Rockets (24-8) was senior Alex Richard who poured in a game-high 28 points, 24 of which came in the second half. It was a heroic effort for Richard, who also led all players with nine rebounds, as she helped the Cardinals rally from down 24-21 at the half to claim the seven-point victory.

Senior Ally Becki also finished in double figures in her final MAC Tournament game, scoring 12 on the day to go along with seven rounds, five assists and a steal.

For their play in Ball State's run to the tournament title, Becki was named the MAC Tournament MVP, while both Becki and Richard earned a spot on the MAC All-Tournament Team.

The Ball State women's basketball team will learn its NCAA fate Sunday (March 16) at 8 p.m. when the 2025 NCAA DI Women's Basketball March Madness bracket is revealed on ESPN.

The 2025 championship will feature 68 teams in the field. The First Four games will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, March 19-20. The first and second round games will take place from Friday through Monday, March 21-24. The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds are Friday through Monday, March 28-31.

2025 MAC Women’s Basketball All-Tournament Team
Chellia Watson, Buffalo
Sammi Mikonowicz, Toledo
Khera Goss, Toledo
Alex Richard, Ball State
Ally Becki, Ball State -- MVP