Jan. 10, 2012
SEATTLE - Marjorie Heard will miss the remainder of the 2011-12 season after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament this week. The injury means the Huskies - who are entering a treacherous portion of the Pac-12 schedule - will be without a key role player off the bench for the rest of the year. Heard, a sophomore forward, sustained the injury during practice on Monday evening when her left knee twisted during a drill. The diagnosis was confirmed following a meeting with the team's medical staff after practice, and Heard is scheduled to undergo surgery when the swelling subsides. "This is really a tough blow for Marjie," said UW coach Kevin McGuff. "I really feel as if she was making strides in our program, ready to fulfill her goals of having a great season. But, knowing her personality, she's going to work hard in rehab and come back in full strength." In 12 games this season, Heard averaged nearly 14 minutes off the bench, and although her scoring numbers (2.6 ppg) have slipped since a solid freshman campaign, she appeared to be making progress in McGuff's system. Heard is the second Husky player to suffer the debilitating injury this season. Star guard Kristi Kingma tore her ACL during a foreign-tour exhibition game in Norway over the summer, and had surgery in September to repair the ligament. Kingma is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is scheduled to play next season. Heard, a Snohomish, Wash., native, came to UW in hopes of patterning her game after her idol, Jon Brockman. Her bruising style of play made her a fan favorite during her first season, and she has been an enthusiastic leader off the court as well. |
