Loughborough Lightning have today confirmed that both Brittany Coleman and Lauren Nicholls have suffered season ending injuries and unfortunately won’t feature in the 2017 Vitality Netball Superleague.
Limping off court in a pre-season friendly against Surrey Storm, young goalshooter Coleman underwent scans that indicated she has suffered an ACL injury and will be out of action for a number of months.
Cruelly Lightning stalwart Lauren Nicholls suffered the same fate at the Tri-Tournament in Bath ten days ago, with scans indicating a similar amount of time off court.
Of the news, Head Coach Karen Atkinson commented: “The coaching staff, support staff and players at Loughborough Lightning are all bitterly disappointed that both Britt and Lauren have sustained season ending injuries. Our main priority over the last month has been ensuring they both receive as much support as possible and start to build a plan for their rehab so that they can come back stronger than before. It will be a tough road ahead for both of them but they are in good hands here at Loughborough University where they will receive the University & franchises full support.
“As a franchise we will be looking into our options for replacement players to be brought into our squad of 12. It is essential that they will be able to make an impact on the court as well as being the right type of character for our culture and training environment. We hope to be able to confirm these players in the coming weeks.”
Lightning captain Nat Panagarry added: “As a squad we are absolutely devastated Britt & Lauren will not be competing with us in the 2017 Superleague season. Both players are a huge asset, both on and off the court, and will be extremely missed. However as a squad we have really pulled together during this tough time and the bond between us all is growing each training session.
“Britt and Lauren will be starting their rehab journey and everyone at Lightning will be supporting them to come back better and stronger in the next few months.”
The 2017 Vitality Netball Superleague season gets underway for Lightning on Saturday 18th February, as they host Manchester Thunder. Tickets for that game and the rest of season are available online here.
Report courtes of Loughborough Lightning
