Virginia Tech C Elizabeth Kitley has torn ACL

Field Level Media|published: Thu 21st March, 12:27 2024

Virginia Tech center Elizabeth Kitley (33) fights for a rebound on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 at KFC YUM Center. credits: Clare Grant/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley is done for the season with a torn ACL.

The 2023-24 second-team AP All-American center confirmed the news Thursday on social media, as did Hokies coach Kenny Brooks as his team prepared to open the Women's NCAA Tournament without the 6-foot-6 fifth-year senior.

Kitley was injured during the third quarter of Virginia Tech' 80-75 loss at Virginia in the March 3 regular season finale.

"This not at all how I anticipated ending this year with my team, but I'm so proud of all our accomplishments, and I'm excited to see my girls continue to compete," Kitley posted on Instagram. "Thank you to all of Hokie Nation for being so supportive during this tough time. I'm looking forward to making a strong comeback."

Kitley averaged 22.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.8 assists in 29 starts this season. Her career numbers include 17.9 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 151 games (all starts).

"She's been emotional. I've been emotional," Brooks said. "We probably text 30 times a day. She's put everything into this. She's the reason we're here. ... The kid eat, slept, drank everything Hokies basketball. For everything to be taken away from you in a split second, it's devastating."

The fourth-seeded Hokies (24-7) will host No. 13 Marshall (26-6) in a first-round game in Portland Regional 3 on Friday afternoon in Blacksburg, Va.

—Field Level Media

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