Elizabeth Kitley's fifth year of qualification won't end the way she had hoped.
The Virginia Tech center returned to Blacksburg, Virginia, to build on last year's success and lead the Hokies back to the Final Four.
She won't get that chance after announcing she tore her left ACL in Virginia Tech's final regular-season game.
“I suffered a knee injury on March 3rd that will prevent me from participating in this year's NCAA Tournament,” Kitley wrote on Instagram. “While we never expected our team's year to end this way, I'm very proud of our accomplishments and can't wait to see our girls continue competing. Hokies・Thank you Nation for joining us.'' “You have been so supportive during this difficult time. We look forward to a strong comeback.''
Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley announced on Instagram that she will miss the NCAA Tournament due to a knee injury. pic.twitter.com/HAi02nUceK
— Mitchell Northam (@primetimeMitch) March 21, 2024
The reigning ACC champions will plod along without the three-time All-American.
That's no easy question considering the 6-foot-6 center averaged 22.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Kitley's campaign also included becoming the ACC's all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles.
She was a huge factor in helping the Hokies win their first regular-season conference title this season.
The No. 4 Hokies open NCAA Tournament play Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET when they host No. 13 Marshall.
“She's emotional,” Hokies head coach Kenny Brooks told reporters Thursday. “I got emotional. I probably texted 30 times a day.
“She put everything into this. We're here because of her…that girl.” [ate,] I slept and drank all the Hokies basketball. …It's devastating to have everything taken away in an instant. ”
