Virginia Tech’s All-America middle Elizabeth Kitley left Sunday’s season finale towards Virginia with an obvious knee damage and didn’t return in a doubtlessly devastating blow to the nation’s No. 5 staff forward of the NCAA match.
Kitley felt to the ground after making a fast-break layup and clutched her left knee in ache with 6:05 remaining within the third quarter. She appeared to maintain the damage with out contact whereas touchdown after the shot. She was capable of stroll off the ground with the assistance of trainers, however didn’t return to the sport.
After the 80-75 Virginia win, Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks fought again tears whereas discussing the damage. He did not supply particulars relating to the character and severity the damage.
“I will be very trustworthy with you,” Brooks mentioned. “I do not know Kitley’s standing. And to be trustworthy with you, that is the place my thoughts is. What I can inform you is hard-fought recreation, great ambiance for ladies’s basketball, so I am pleased with that.
“However past that, I will be very trustworthy, my thoughts is some other place.”
Brooks was requested additional about Kitley’s damage. He calls it “decrease extremity” however no additional information re: the severity or a timetable. pic.twitter.com/z7Bkm24pzO
— Anthony Romano (@ARomanoWDBJ) March 4, 2024
Aside from confirming that it was a lower-body damage, Brooks then declined once more to expound on her standing when pressed for particulars.
“I am not gonna have the ability to offer you guys something out of respect for her. But it surely’s not a concussion. It is decrease extremities. …
“We’re praying for her. My thoughts is there. To attempt to offer you guys some perception on the place she is, what is going on on — I do know you guys have gotten papers to write down. I respect the hell out of that. However I respect her extra. I simply do not know but.
Kitley is a two-time Related Press All-American and the reigning two-time ACC Participant of the Yr. A fifth-year middle, she’s averaged 22.9 factors, 11.5 rebounds and two blocks this season whereas capturing 55% from the ground. She’s a possible first-round decide within the upcoming WNBA draft.
The Hokies secured the ACC regular-season title regardless of Sunday’s loss with a 14-4 convention report. They will be the No. 1 seed on the ACC match and have been in competition for a No. 1 seed within the NCAA match previous to Kitley’s damage. Her standing transferring ahead will decide Virginia Tech’s viability as a nationwide title contender.
