Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Preseason Injury Woes Continue for SIU Women's Basketball
09/11/2001 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Sept. 11, 2001
Carbondale, Ill. - It was announced today that Southern Illinois University junior forward Katie Berwanger will miss the upcoming 2001-02 basketball season due to an aggravated knee injury.
Berwanger, who sat out the entire 2000-01 campaign after suffering a partial ACL tear in her left knee during a team practice prior to the season opener at Illinois-Chicago (Nov. 18, 2000), re-aggravated her injury on August 17. Following the team's practice that day, Berwanger's knee appeared to have some swelling, and as a result, she was forced to undergo a second surgery which took place last Friday (Sept. 7). Although the ACL reconstruction was successful, Berwanger will miss up to eight or nine months before returning to action.
Other Preseason Notes: Saluki head coach Lori Opp also announced today that sophomore Jen Wegley will leave the team due to personal reasons. Wegley will remain enrolled at SIU throughout the fall semester before returning to her hometown of Midlothian, Texas, Despite two shoulder surgeries, Molly McDowell is expected to be at full strength by the start of the season, Senior Geshla Woodard, who suffered a preseason injury (sprained ankle) as well, should also be ready by the start of the season.
