CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois Fighting Illini have been on a roll, racking up three consecutive wins with an impressive average margin of 23 points. They've achieved this streak without the contributions of one of their standout players, redshirt sophomore Gretchen Dolan.
Head coach Shauna Green was hopeful about getting Dolan, one of her top scorers, back in action for March. With the team projected as a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament, her return would have been a boost. However, it was confirmed on Wednesday that Dolan underwent season-ending surgery on Monday to repair a torn meniscus.
“It’s tough obviously, it’s always hard for the kid, and for her teammates, and for the program,” Green expressed. “It’s two years now that she’s had to deal with something like this.”
This is a particularly tough break for Dolan, who was limited to just 10 games last season due to another knee injury. After starting the first 17 games this season, she missed nine of the last 10 due to her knee issues. Dolan attempted a comeback on February 1 against Washington but had to exit after just four minutes, leading to the decision for surgery.
Despite her shortened season, Dolan posted career-high averages with 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
In Dolan’s absence, sophomore Aaliyah Guyton has risen to the occasion as the Illini’s fifth starter. Guyton has been a defensive force and a threat from beyond the arc. She even notched a career-high 22 points against Wisconsin on February 11, showcasing her ability to step up when her team needs it most.