Sunshine Coast Lightning on hunt for new mid-courter after Ava Black ruptures ACL
Sunshine Coast Lightning are on the hunt for a new star after a key player suffered a season-ending injury at training.
Sunshine Coast Lightning is on the hunt for a new mid-courter after Ava Black ruptured her ACL at training.
Black, 21, played in nine games for Lightning last season on their run to finish fourth.
The midcourter suffered the injury at a training session last week with scans confirming she has ruptured her ACL.
Lightning have had a terrible run with ACL injuries in recent years with Reilley Batcheldor and Tara Hinchliffe also suffering the dreaded injury. Typically athletes need at least 12 months to recover.
Sunshine Coast Lightning coach Belinda Reynolds said she was devastated for Black.
“I am absolutely heartbroken for Ava, who has been working incredibly hard this pre-season to prepare for the season ahead,” Reynolds said.
“This is a huge loss for our group, and now we are focused on providing Ava with the care and support she needs through her comeback training.
“Ava has a bright future ahead of her and I know this setback will only make her more determined to come back stronger than ever.”
Black will undergo reconstructive surgery before beginning the rehabilitation process.
A permanent replacement player will be named in coming weeks.
The Super Netball season launches on April 5.