An ankle sprain suffered in practice Thursday forced freshman outside hitter Amy Sibbernsen out of the starting lineup this weekend for the first time all season.
Entering the weekend, Sibbernsen had started every match for the women’s volleyball team. The sprain forced Sibbernsen out of action against Penn State and Indiana.
Sibbernsen said she knew about Penn State’s rich volleyball tradition - the Nittany Lions are the defending Big Ten and national champions - when she chose to come to MSU. She said she was looking forward to playing against the Lions.
“I was pretty upset Thursday night because I knew we were playing Penn State this weekend,” Sibbernsen said. “I was pretty pumped up to play.”
Exactly how long Sibbernsen will be sidelined is uncertain, said Lianna Lee, MSU volleyball’s athletic trainer.
Lee called the injury a grade-two ankle sprain - grade three is the worst.
She said a grade-one sprain would keep an athlete out a few days, a grade-two sprain can sideline an athlete from two to four weeks and a grade-three sprain would keep an athlete out from six to eight weeks.
“She sprained it, but she didn’t tear ligaments or anything,” Lee said. “It could be a couple weeks or it could be less.
“It depends on the person and how quickly they heal. (Sibbernsen) is doing real well for three days after a grade-two ankle sprain.”
Lee said Sibbernsen began to put weight on the ankle Saturday, but how the injury is handled will depend on daily evaluations.
“(Friday) and Thursday were long days,” Sibbernsen said. “I was in a lot of pain, but today I feel a lot better.”
Lee said Sibbernsen rolled her ankle in practice after she came down on another player’s foot.
“I can deal with the pain,” Sibbernsen said. “I’m just going to do everything (Lee) says. It’s part of athletics. Hopefully I won’t be out too long.”
Lee said Sibbernsen will practice in a limited role at first. She said what Sibbernsen does in practice every day will depend on how she responds.
“She might be sitting on a board and passing, but she’ll be practicing,” Lee said. “We’re just going to take it day by day.”
