Pfeifer out for season with knee injury

FAYETTEVILLE – Junior post player Sarah Pfeifer has torn the anterior cruciate ligament on her left knee, and will miss the 2005-06 women’s basketball season at the University of Arkansas, Lady Razorback basketball coach Susie Gardner said today. “I feel bad for Sarah because she’s been through a lot during her career,” Gardner said. “She’s had a surgery a year. I feel bad for the players too, because we’ll miss her this season on the court.” Pfeifer suffered the injury in last Thursday’s Red-White Game, but final results on testing were not available until today. Lady Razorback basketball athletic trainer Sara Melby said that surgery to repair the tear will be schedule soon, but the exact date is dependent on the reduction in swelling commonly associated with this injury. Pfeifer will be undergoing pre-surgery therapies to prepare her knee for surgery. “As you would expect, Sarah’s got a great attitude,” Gardner said. “And the team is stepping up on the court.” Pfeifer was Arkansas’ leading scorer last season, averaging 12.4 ppg and 4.7 rpg for the 17-14 Lady Razorbacks. She was voted preseason all-Southeastern Conference second team by both the league’s coaches and the media which cover the SEC at last week’s preseason SEC Basketball Media Day. Pfeifer is a redshirt junior, missing her original sophomore season due to shoulder surgery. Last year she was voted the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the league coaches. In previous seasons, Pfeifer has underwent three surgeries on her shoulders. Arkansas begins exhibition play this weekend facing Cameron University on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m.