The match meant nothing, but to Grace Heaney, it was everything.
Purdue was kicking off its spring season against Butler at home. After undergoing a drastic roster overhaul during the offseason, most eyes would be on the seven newcomers that rounded out the Boilermakers’ roster, beset by transfers and graduation.
However, the spring match also marked the return of Heaney, who hadn’t played in a public match in almost a year after suffering a shoulder injury and then undergoing surgery. The 6-foot-2 opposite said she was anxious, but once she got on the court and took a few swings, she felt immense relief…