Super Netball: Lightnings Hinchliffe sidelined for season
Diamonds defender and Sunshine Coast Lightning vice-captain Tara Hinchliffe will miss the entire 2023 Super Netball season after suffering a serious knee injury.
The Lightning has confirmed Hinchliffe sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing against the Melbourne Vixens in the Suncorp Team Girls Cup bronze medal match last month.
Hinchliffe left the court after landing awkwardly during the third quarter of her side’s one-point loss in the pre-season competition.
The 24-year-old former Queensland Firebirds star, who made her Diamonds debut in January, had been originally cleared of a serious injury.
However, further scans revealed she had suffered another ruptured ACL after falling victim to a similar injury to the same knee in 2021.
Lightning coach Belinda Reynolds was shattered for Hinchliffe.
“I’m extremely disappointed Tara will miss the 2023 season,” Reynolds said.
“She has been in career-best form which was recently rewarded with her debut for the Diamonds.
“Tara is a huge loss for our team; her smarts, versatility and ability to read the game will not easily be replaced.”
Reynolds said Hinchliffe would retain her vice-captaincy role despite the injury.
“While she won’t be on court with the players, she will still work closely with the group. Her leadership and smarts are crucial assets to our team,” the Lightning coach said
“I have no doubt Tara will be meticulous in her rehabilitation and will be inspiring in her comeback.”
The Lightning will recruit a replacement for Hinchliffe before its first game of the season on Sunday week against the Giants.
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