Tennessee lost more than a women’s basketball game against Oklahoma.
An MRI exam Tuesday confirmed that Lady Vols forward Vicki Baugh has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and is out for the season. Baugh suffered the injury in the latter stages of Monday night’s 80-70 loss to the Sooners in Oklahoma City.
“It’s so costly; I hate it for her,’’ UT coach Pat Summitt said. “The team’s devastated, heartbroken.’’
It’s the second time Baugh has suffered a torn ACL in her left knee. She went down in the second half of the national championship game against Stanford last April. Baugh suffered a sprained left knee during a practice session on Jan. 1. She had been wearing a protective brace and had made just three brief appearances before logging 26 minutes against the Sooners.
Summitt wasn’t second-guessing the minutes Baugh played Monday night because of Baugh’s leg strength.
“Strength-wise, she has the biggest, best quad (muscle) on our team,’’ Summitt said.
Beginning with Thursday’s game against Georgia (15-7, 5-2 SEC) at Thompson-Boling Arena (TV: FSS, 7 p.m.), No. 12 Tennessee (16-5, 5-2) will be missing Baugh’s production.
In 14 games this season, she had three double-doubles for points and rebounds. Against Oklahoma, she scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds and had two steals.
Before suffering the knee sprain, the 6-foot-4 sophomore was averaging nearly 10 rebounds a game.
With Baugh out, 6-6 redshirt freshman Kelley Cain and 6-3 freshman Alyssia Brewer will play bigger roles.
“We have to do this by committee,’’ Summitt said. “If our post game doesn’t respond, if they don’t do it, we’re going to be hard pressed to be successful.”
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Comments » 47
CHS52VOL writes:
Terrible news! She is an excellent team player and will certainly be missed. Hope she makes a full recovery.
12packvolfan writes:
SORRY 2 HEAR THIS HOPE HER RECOVERY IS A SUCCESS
HallowedHill writes:
OUCH! Get well soon!!
MassVol writes:
Bummer. God Bless Vicki, get well soon. Cain and Brewer will have to step it up. Brewer looked good against Oklahoma. She could be something special.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Sad news. Get well soon.
LdyVolFaninKS writes:
Vicki is a determined competitor and most likely wasn't being completely truthful to the medical staff on the condition of the knee. We love her for that competitive drive, but this time it might have done more harm than good. It was fairly clear that she wasn't 100%, but her drive and determination wouldn't let her sit out another big game. You know the knee wasn't ready if she couldn't perform a simple jump stop.
TAKE IT EASY VICKI!!! We will need you next year. Light a fire for Glori and Kelly...coach them, mentor them and make them more like you and we will be OK.
bmaples writes:
Damn. What a damn shame.
Good luck, Lady -- we'll look forward to seeing you strong and healthy next year.
marinevol writes:
Damn!!!
mmynatt writes:
Wish the best for her. She gave as much as she could; don't really care if she ever makes it back for the Lady Vols as much as I hope she makes a good enough recovery that she is able to enjoy the rest of her life.
Good luck Vicki -- hope for a full recovery.
DroopyDrawers writes:
We are not doomed yet, but Cain, Brewer, and Johnson need to work harder. Fuller was loafing last night. Hope her light bulb comes on soon because she can play.
Vicki, you will be sorely missed the rest of the year but get healthy for next year. Our prayers are with you.
utang1602#204610 writes:
The ACL in her knee was structurally sound after her rehab and prior to beginning practice, and she was fine when she returned to the court to open the season. The knee injury that occurred following that set her back.
However, in watching her last night, she looked like the Vicki Baugh of old, and that makes me even sadder for her. The unfortunate thing is that it wouldn't have mattered if she sat out this entire year, this injury--what is a totally separate tear of the ACL from the first one--would likely have occurred anyhow.
I can only use Kay Yow's words and hope Vicki takes them to heart: When life kicks you, let it kick you forward.
ohladyvolsfan writes:
Try and stay Positive Vicki! You'll be back stronger than ever next year!
VAvolfanRON writes:
Vicki, we all want you recover....just try not to do it too fast....we'd rather have you 100%..
Thanks for being a vol!!
huntined#565710 writes:
WOW THAT HURTS..
She has really gave it a try all year..was at the nc game when she went down ...knew it was bad.
maybe ready next year
middlegavol writes:
Not trying to be negative, but that is that for No. 9 this year. Pat might as well settle in and work full time on coaching these young ladies 110% That and recruiting a gosh-darn point guard!
RoadTrip writes:
Vicki - you are All Vol. We are praying for successful surgery and rehab. You are an excellent player and person. Take your time coming back and let it heal, so you can get them over the hump next year.
gohawks1 writes:
I knew it didn't look good as soon as I saw the play.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Pat should have taken her out, I was saying , "take Vickie out"!
CTOWNICON writes:
IM SO HURT FOR VICKI AN THE TEAM. SHE WILL BE A MAJOR LOSS TO THE TEAM. I HOPE THAT THIS DOES NOT RUIN HER CAREER. SHE IS SUCH A TALENTED PLAYER AND SHE SHOWED THAT SUNDAY. SHE WAS GREAT SUNDAY NIGHT. THE TEAM ALSO PLAYED BETTER THAN THEY HAVE. I WAS PLEASED. THE ONLY THING THAT STILL ERKS ME IS THE TURNOVERS AN LAPSE IN DEFENSE. SO CLOSE BUT SO FAR AWAY THIS GAME COULD HAVE BEEN A VICTORY. STARTED OUT SO GOOD, DEFENSE AN OFFENSE WAS CLICKING LIKE CRAZY GIVE ME THAT FOR 40 MINUTES PLEASE. I WILL ADMIT YOU LADIES ARE GETTING BETTER, JUST GOT TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER AN I SEE IT COMING. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AN DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE GEORGIA THEY ARE A GOOD TEAM DONT LET THE RECORD FOOL YOU. GO AN GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR. MANNING AND BREWER ARE GETTING BETTER, WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LITTLE MORE OF THEM ON THE FLOOR. BASS YOU HURTING ME, CAN I SEE THE BASS THAT WE HAD AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON I KNOW YOU ARE THERE SOMEWHERE.
PureOrange writes:
This is very big loss for our Lady Vols.
Get well, Vicky, and be ready to help this team win it all next year.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Everyone's worst fears are realized. This will be a long arduous road back for Vicki. She needs our prayers and support. Between her family in Sacramento and her Big Orange family she has quite a large support group.
FYI: Girls are 4 times more likely to tear an ACL playing basketball as men are and believe it or not, most tears are non-contact related. It goes back to some of my prior posts about the girls playing too vertical...running and cutting sharply in a more erect posture and landing from a jump without bending the knees sufficiently are the main causes. Usually the ACL tears horizontally in the middle of the ligament which is the weakest point.
As I understand it, since Vicki has played about 265-270 minutes and appeared in 13 games this season so she will not qualify for a medical hardship waiver. I think that according to the NCAA you have to have played less than 10% of the scheduled games. Even if it is a minute-thing rather than a game-thing she still wouldn't qualify.
jimvols13 writes:
Man, I hate that. Get well soon!
tedb#664810 writes:
I am afraid you are spot on here. It's a shame for Vicki. She had so much potential and she deserves much better than this. I wish her the best for a great recovery. These things never seem to happen to UConn. I hope Pat has some JUCO prospects for point guard and post or we may be in for a long dry spell.
LadyVolFanForever writes:
Darn rotten luck for a great kid. Some of these posts are writing her off but Vicki will not give up and she will be back next year. She is a PLAYER and loves the game and the Lady Vols.
I never understood why the delay between the injury last year at the Final and the surgery. I hope they will go ahead with the surgery asap this time so she will have longer for recovery and rehab.
We love you Vicki, never give up !
queens2183#661836 writes:
Guys, chill out! While this is bad news for Vicki and my heart goes out to her, this is a different ACL tear than the first one and could have happened no matter at any time. She had had a full recovery from the previous surgery and had been moving great if you had been watching prior to the knee sprain and even was moving great against OU. She came down wrong on the knee and that's what caused the second injury; that's the nature of ACL tears. Any wrong movement or awkward fall can tear the ligament. And on another note, chill on the PG thing. The issue is purely youth at the PG position; if no one has noticed there are 2 freshmen running the position and only one is a natural PG. They both just need time to mature at the position at this level; no one could expect that freshmen would pick it up instantly at this level and with everything involved in TN's system. Some of you were a little unrealistic in expectations and need to realize that talent still needs time to adjust and develop at this level. Support the kids and God bless you, Vick.
BigRMan writes:
These are young college atletes. You should not want injuries to happen to UCON, UT, or any young person trying to use their ability to get a college education, and advance the image of their program.
topgun writes:
Totally agree!! One should review the situation and make comments based on accurate information and solid facts--not emotions and unfounded speculation.
Hope Vicki makes a full recovery, but believe it might be best for her to not play anymore. Cannot blame the medical staff--they are the best in the country--or Pat, for playing Vicki. Pat was correct to play Vicki as much as she could. Vicki had not seen action in a long time and she needed the time on the court. The old ACL injury must have been great in all practices or Vicki would not have practiced or played.
No one should second guess the player, medical staff, or Pat because this very unpredictable and unfortunate accident occurred.
Go Vols.
BigRMan writes:
Baugh brought a grit and determination, a real lunch pail blue collar work ethic to her role on this team. Her presence will be sorely missed. It is not easy to find those qualitites. Her heart and determination will be hard to replace. I would hope she is not rushed back until next year. With this type of injury, with the health of a young person involved, I hope the medical staff errs on the side of caution. Baugh's personal traits bode well for her success in whatever she chooses to do with her education. The entire team should take a page from her drive and dedicate the rest of the season to her. Best wishes for a complete recovery to Ms Vicki Baugh-You will be missed.-To the poster who wistfully talked of injuries to UCON-It has happened. Shea Ralph: '97-'98, Mel Thomas: '07-08, Caroline Doty: '08-09-If everyone is healthy, the spirit of fair play and competition is served.
98reax writes:
I would not wish injury on my worst enemy. (1 Corinthians 13)
Vicki Baugh will inspire her teammates to strive to be the best they can be. It is a sad, sad thing how bad things happen to good people. But good people get stronger through adversity. Remember Kellie Jolly. She came back after two of these dreadful injuries and helped her team win #5 NC. Baugh seems to have that same kind of determination.
I did not get to watch the game vs. Oklahoma, but as I was making rounds I overheard one of the commentators say what a sad sight it was to see Vicki Baugh being taken off the court in a wheelchair. I got a sick, sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and the outcome of the game became trivial in my mind. These misfortunes we see effecting our Lady Vols are difficult to swallow, but they will bcome a higher-quality team having been 'tried by fire.' Vicki will rehab and be back for 2 more years of glory days for a top-notch basketball team.
adimatteo#261830 writes:
hindsight is always twenty twenty, but she still should have sat out this year,no reason to have brought her back so quickly,better to suffer throughsome bad luck, hardships for one seasonthan to create problems for future seasons.
Good luck to her, and hope she recovers well
martic#220796 writes:
I'm afraid this may be the end of Vickie's playing days. It'll be hard to come back from 2 tears in the same knee. She sure was a difference maker. I wish her the best.At the rate we're going will we have enogh players to finish the season? Cain needs to woman up and play better.
fortandrews writes:
Well it didn't take THEM long to start second guessing Pat,team doctors and Vicki. These three are the ones who make these kind of decisions. I wonder if any of THEM has had an injury like this. How many of THEM have played any sport at this level and had a desire to play when they were not up "to par". I do not believe Vicki would have played if she didn't want to be part of the team. Let's give Vicki credit for the time and effort she has already given. She is a true Lady Vol. I hope she recovers. Now the rest of the team should take a good look and decide to give their all like Vicki and get ready for next year.
jack_2222#231746 writes:
Ironic that Pat will get her 1000th win with the worst team she has ever put on the court. Will take incredible coaching job for this team to make the Sweet 16.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, it HAS happened to UConn; we just don't hear as much about it. They lost their projected starter at PG, I think, right at, or just before, the start of the season. There have been others also. ALL women's teams have had a problem with this. The worst of it for the LVs is that Kelley Cain has ALSO been having trouble recovering from her knee surgery. She doesn't deserve the slam from the poster who called her a "waste". The team can either pull together and suck it up, or they can get discouraged and quit. I think they will do the former, but no question the loss of Vicky is a MAJOR blow.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
There are lots of reasons why there may be a delay between suffering an injury and having the surgery to correct it. Sometimes there is swelling in the knee that has to go down before surgery can be performed. Sometimes it is necessary to strengthen the knee before the surgery. Unless you are an orthopedic surgeon yourself--and even then you must know the specific factors involved in THIS injury--you just have to trust the judgment of the people who are closest to the situation. The LVs have access to some of the best surgeons and rehab people in the country, with MANY years of experience in the field.
queens2183#661836 writes:
Yeah, sure, they're the worst team Pat has ever had. They only have the 4th youngest team in the country, 3-4 freshmen starting, and injuries to key players that include the experienced PG and the top rebounder and post player, both of which are the emotional leaders, on team to deal with. Of course we know that every freshman and sophomore laden team goes undefeated and wins championships every year. Give me a frickin' break!! Some of ya'll are really naive and need to understand the parameters that this team is working within. As someone who has played, I can guarantee you with all the problems they've had just gettin' a full roster on the floor along with the inexperience and tryin' to "get" the system (which might I add Candace, Nicky, and Lex didn't completely "get" until they were juniors and seniors), these kids are still 16-5 and really have done better than expected with still playing the toughest schedule in the country. Look at LSU; they aren't blowin' doors off either with their young team and have a worse record. Most of the top teams have experienced, vet teams not 11 underclassmen and 1 senior and injuries that decimate the few experienced players they have. Try supporting the kids as they grow and quit acting like spoiled fans who aren't willing to be patient with a team that is still trying to figure it all out. They'll get there, you just have to stay with them.
BigRMan writes:
I think it's a little harsh to call this Coach Summitt's worst team ever. We may not remember back to the beginning, only Coach Summitt would know that. Let's just call it her most inexperienced team in recent memory. However, there are many teams around the nation that wouldn't mind having the LV's record at this stage of the season. This team has struggled and likely will continue to until a measure of team chemistry is reached, and all buy into the system that is being taught to them. CPS will use each player's strengths to blend for the greatest chance for success. However, these ladies have to execute the fundamentals, minimize turnovers, create extra possessions with offensive rebounds, hold the opposition to one and done with defensive rebounds and DON'T TAKE POSSESSIONS OFF! It's evident when it's done and can't be hidden from the fans and especially the coaching staff.
98reax writes:
Being supportive must be more difficult than rehabbing and recovering from injuries. At least for many of our posters who are so quick to speak negatively of the hopes of our team's success.
We are still 5 losses short of the 10-loss season recorded by the '97 national champions. Things can turn in a flash. Positive things happen too, unexpectedly.
Pat said that her most memorable event was the semi-final against North Carolina ('07 Final Four) when she yelled to the top of her lungs, as well as the top of the cheap seats during a time-out in which she stated, "WE ARE NOT LEAVING HERE WITHOUT A CHAMPIONSHIP! NOW, CAN YOU GET A STOP?" The game turned just like that, the Lady Vols went out and took control of that game, and went on to defeat Rutgers for her 7th National Title.
Get a grip, folks, we can do incredible things. Open your minds. Stop being so darn grim. What's the worst case scenario? The University of Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball program is tops in the country, and that will not change, regardless of the end-of-season rankings. Once elite, always elite. We have been to the pinnacle and the view does not change.
queens2183#661836 writes:
Wow, Mike, I'd say that's kind of a cheap shot to take at a kid that just tore her ACL for the second time and has been a driving force for TN when she's out on the court. I'm not a UConn fan but would never mock nor wish an injury upon a player and would want nothing but a speedy recovery for that player. Vick is a great player and was ranked #3 in the country coming out of school; she was really coming on before the injuries. I do agree that UConn is a fantastic team this year and looks to be unbeatable and it's cool for you to voice that but please at least be respectful of Vicki Baugh and her situation. It's not about some TN posters who may have been classless when UConn players went down, it's about these kids and none of them, at any school, deserve that.
ladivolfan writes:
Gee Mike, I'm really sorry about the players Uconn lost last year to ACL injuries. That must have been tough on those girls. I wouldn't wish it on any ball player. I sure hope they're back this year and stay healthy.
adimatteo#261830 writes:
I assure you there is no one who is a bigger supporter than UT and Coach Summitt than I, however as to your comment of not "taking them long to second guess". you are correct, for I posted acomment the first time it was announced she would play and not sit out. Toomany of our girls have done great when they sat out, just was not worth it, I love Coach Summitt, hope she stays forever, but doesnt change my opinion onthis one
lingfeld writes:
Give these freshmen ladies a chance.Bri Bass will develop into an outstanding point guard as she has shown flashes of this year. Remember, Bri had an ACL repair in Indianapolis just a couple weeks before Vicki had her ACL surgery. Confidence is a key to success and Bri will continue to develop with more experience on the court. Have some patience and stay behind this young team.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Sometimes the only thing one can do is shake one's head sadly. I am SO glad I have other things to occupy my mind than to be so obsessed with composing twisted cheap shots at opposing players and coaches. FOR SHAME! That also goes for any of you so-called Vol fans who have said or even thought similar things about OUR rivals!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but this injury was not related to the one she had before. Injuries and players are just NOT all alike. Given all their all-too-vast experience with these things, there is no WAY CPS and Jenny Moshak would have allowed Vicky to play if they thought it was at ALL likely that she would be risking further injury, beyond the risks ALL athletes run. It is conceivable that Vicky was hiding her true condition from those who decide about her recovery and playing time, but, if so, that was her choice and it would seem to be the wrong one in that case.
mad_poly_uct writes:
....never seem to happen to Uconn....What?!!! Already lost C. Doty for the year with ACL,lost Kalena Greene, and Mel Thomas with ACL's last year(not using as an excuse mind you)....Uconn has most certainly had it's share of gut wrenching knee injuries over the years. My prayers are with Ms. Baugh for a speedy and successful recovery. We all hate to see these injurys, no matter where our loyalties lie....BTW....kick Ga's butts. I actually love seeing Andy Landers lose more than I do Tenn!
mad_poly_uct writes:
I've yet to see any Tenn fans post mocking or classless comments about any Uconn player who went down with major injury. At least on this site. Another reason I visit, lurk, and post here. Many(not all) posters with great b.ball knowledge,passion, and class. Of course, there's lots and lots of other issues about Uconn where the insults fly unabashed, but that's cool:)
orangebloodgmc writes:
Vicki, hang in there. My daughter was a college athlete (soccer player) and played after 3 acl repairs. Did her right knee twice, fixing it first time with hamstring graft which did not hold up, and second time with patella tendon criss-cross which is now thought to be bomb-proof. She played her senior year after that. Keep your head up.
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