Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Richelle McGarva, the starting centerfielder for the Virginia Tech softball team, will most likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering a lateral dislocation of her left ankle Tuesday afternoon in a base-running drill at practice. She underwent emergency surgery Tuesday night at Montgomery Regional Hospital.
“Richelle suffered a freak injury during a routine base running drill,” said assistant athletic trainer Katie Baer. “She ruptured multiple ligaments and sustained significant muscle damage when this happened. Dr. Marc Siegel performed reconstructive surgery to stabilize the ankle and close the wound last night. She will be on crutches for four-to-six weeks and after that, we will begin strengthening the ankle through aggressive rehab. I have full confidence that Richelle will continue the toughness she showed yesterday through this process.”
McGarva started all five games for the Hokies this past weekend, batting .333 with an RBI and a stolen base. Losing McGarva depletes an already-thin outfield, as the Hokies will be left with three full-time players – Jessica Everhart, Whitney Davis and Jenna Rhodes. Marra Hvozdovic had been working solely as a utility infielder (shortstop/catcher) since preseason practice started, but will now have to work again in the outfield, the spot she played in the fall.
“As the saying goes, when it rains it pours,” said head coach Scot Thomas. “Richelle was starting to look very good and was gaining confidence in our starting line up. With our pitching staff already down to two healthy arms, her loss is yet another major setback for our team. I like the character of this team, though, and I know we will work hard to overcome our obstacles and be competitive.”
McGarva is a redshirt-sophomore transfer from Surrey, B.C., Canada. She will have to apply for a sixth year of eligibility should she choose to try and regain this year back.