By Nick Creely
The Dandenong Rangers’ worst fears were confirmed last week with star player Sara Blicavs rupturing her ACL in a bitter blow to the WNBL side and the Australian Opals.
Scans last Monday confirmed the extent of the injury, with the star playmaker expected to miss up to 12-months as she recovers.
Making matters worse, Blicavs will not only put a dent in the Rangers’ attempt to back up their WNBL grand final appearance in 2017/18, but she will also play no part in the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where she was a big chance to be part of the Opals squad representing Australia.
With only about 90 seconds left in the first half during the Rangers’ clash with Adelaide Lightning on Friday 10 November, Blicavs landed awkwardly and played no further part in the match.
The Rangers confirmed the prognosis through a statement on their website.
“Everyone within the Dandenong Basketball family would like to wish Sara the best of luck in her recovery journey, and will be behind her offering our support at every step of her return to the basketball court,” the statement read.
“Always the brightest and bubbliest personality in the room, Sara’s absence will definitely be felt for the rest of WNBL18 but we have full confidence that she will return stronger and better than ever in the very near future.
“Sara will begin that recovery journey tonight with a very capable orthopedic surgery team.”
Blicavs had enjoyed a strong start to the WNBL season after enjoying one of her finest seasons in 2016/17.
