Aug. 10, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State sophomore back-up setter Jessica Pratapas will undergo knee surgery Monday, Aug. 27 after officially learning of a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right leg. The procedure was scheduled after Pratapas received the results of her MRI.
Pratapas injured her knee in July during a pick-up scrimmage at the Horton Field House North Gym. She will face a standard six-to-eight-month rehabilitation period following the surgery.
Head coach Sharon Dingman was disappointed with the temporary loss of Pratapas, but praised her work ethic and competitiveness, which she believes will translate over to the rehab process.
"I am saddened by the injury to Jessica," said Dingman. "From a team and competitive standpoint, we will miss her ability to run our scrimmage side in practices and step in as an outside hitter when needed. She's also a very valuable defensive specialist, and would be our go-to setter in the event that something should happen to Erin (Lindsey). Jessica is our utility player and one of our emotional leaders. I know she will still be that as much as she can for our team, but it will be different not having her on the floor every day. As with all of our players, Jessica is an extremely hard worker, and we expect a full recovery from this injury."
Pratapas appeared in 17 matches last season, including seeing action in at least two games on eight occasions. She had a season-high six set assists against Drake (10/27/06). This past spring, Pratapas filled in as an outside hitter. She started all six of ISU's matches on the 2007 International European Tour (May 12-25).
Pratapas sat out the 2005 campaign as a redshirt.
