Scott BresslerJaimie McFarlin, Washington University women basketball’s leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker, will miss the rest of the 2007-2008 season. In the closing minutes of Sunday’s game against Capital University, McFarlin rushed down the court to stop a fast break and landed off balance while trying to block a layup. Diagnosed with a torn ACL and lateral meniscus, McFarlin is scheduled for surgery sometime after finals and before Christmas.
McFarlin is also in the process of applying for a medical Redshirt to give her an extra year of NCAA eligibility since she is a part of the 3/2 MBA program at the Olin Business School.
Despite missing McFarlin for the remainder of the season, Head Coach Nancy Fahey does not foresee any major changes in strategy, stating that the team will continue to use an inside-out approach despite the loss of its best low post presence.
Though McFarlin will be difficult to replace, others will be able to step up. “We’re not a one- person show, so it’s a matter of us collectively as a team making some adjustments and letting a new personality develop again,” said Fahey.
This is the second major loss sustained by the school’s basketball program this season. Point guard Sean Wallis suffered a displaced tibial plateau fracture and partially torn MCL. Despite the losses, McFarlin noted that with fan support, the teams should have no problem continuing their winning ways. More importantly, she added that the Lady Bears have overcome injuries before, as they finished second in the NCAA tournament last year with 2006 UAA Rookie of the Year Shanna-Lei Dacanay on the bench with a torn ACL.
The Lady Bears will test their new lineup tonight against McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. The team will then face cross-Wydown rival Fontbonne University Tuesday before returning to the Field House Dec. 15.