MUNCIE, Ind. - Shannon Klei, a senior guard on the Ball State University women's basketball team, will not compete for the Cardinals this season due to a back injury.  

"My heart goes out to Shannon as she processes the many emotions that accompany her situation," said head women's basketball coach Kelly Packard.  "It is my commitment to keep her tightly connected to her teammates and our coaching staff throughout this season."

Klei has played in 71 games in her career with the Cardinals (2007-10) while averaging 2.2 points per game.  Last season Klei helped Ball State to an 84-62 victory over Buffalo after a 16-point personal best performance, which included 4-of-6 shooting from behind the arc.  Klei was also a member of the 2008-09 historic women's basketball season, which included a Mid-American Conference West Division title, the school's first ever MAC Tournament Championship and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament where Ball State handed Tennessee a first-round loss.

The Ball State women's basketball team plays an exhibition game Thursday against St. Joseph's at home at 7 p.m., before its season opener at home versus Indiana, Nov. 12, in Worthen Arena at 7 p.m.