Tornadoes’ star import hurt, out for year

THE pain of losing an overtime thriller to southern rival Hobart on Saturday night has been compounded for Launceston with the loss of star import Mikaela Ruef for the entire SEABL season.

The Tornadoes battled back from 14 points down at the main break to send the game into extra time before going down in the last play of the match at Elphin Sports Centre to slip to 0-2.

But the club received worse news with Ruef suffering a suspected ACL injury in her final match with French side Toulouse Metropole Basket.

The 27-year-old American, a mid-season addition to the Chargers last year, was expected to join the Tornadoes at the end of her European contract but she will be sidelined for 12 months.

“We are absolutely devastated for Mikaela. The board, staff and players of the Tornadoes Basketball Club are all thinking of her and wishing all the best with her journey from here to a full recovery,” Launceston chair Janie Finlay said.

“We know that she has the grit and determination to get through this and return to her best.

“We know this will be extremely disappointing for all Mikaela’s fans who were looking forward to seeing her back in a Tornadoes uniform this season.

“We are now doing everything we can to secure another quality player to join our incredible team.”

Launceston’s other import, Australian Lauren Mansfield, should return for this weekend’s road double-header after completing her stint with Polish outfit Energa Torun.