The Oregon women’s basketball team was dealt a devastating blow before its season even began. Coach Kelly Graves announced senior wing Sofia Bell suffered a season-ending lower body injury during practice.
Bell, a Portland-born guard, has started 68 of the 85 games she’s played for the Ducks over her career, including all 36 last season. She has averaged 5.8 points over her career and shot a career-best 35.1% from 3-point range last season while being the team’s top perimeter defender.
Advertisement
“We are heartbroken for Sofia, who is one of our leaders on the court and in the locker room,” Graves said in a statement. “While this is difficult news, we know how committed she is to her recovery, and our entire program will be behind her every step of the way.”
With the advent of the 5-for-5 eligibility ruling, Bell could return for a fifth season next year. The senior’s injury opens the door for senior Ari Long and junior Avary Cain to play more minutes alongside junior stars Katie Fiso and Ehis Etute.
The Ducks brought in a talented freshmen class this season, including Emilia Krstevski, Brooklynn Haywood, Kennedy Holman and La’u Pele Falatea.
Oregon’s season begins with an exhibition against Bushnell Oct. 20.
Alec Dietz covers University of Oregon football and women’s basketball for The Register-Guard. You may reach him at adietz@registerguard.com.
Advertisement
Want to see more Oregon Ducks coverage? Subscribe to The Register-Guard’s newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Ducks senior Sofia Bell out for season with lower body injury
