If a week ago the Lions planned to finish out the schedule with an easy weekend in the Great Lakes State before beginning postseason play, then those plans came to a screeching halt when Harmotto landed awkwardly after going up for a swing on Saturday against Iowa.
She had to be helped off the court by two trainers, a discouraging sight for the Blue and White faithful.
Harmotto underwent an MRI yesterday afternoon. Penn State women's volleyball coach Russ Rose declined to specify the exact injury or the length of time to be missed, but it seems unlikely that Harmotto will return this year.
"It's human nature for people's moods to be lower now," Rose said of a decline in morale among the Lions. "I'm lower now, it effects me as well. She's a terrific kid, and you hate to see anybody experience an injury -- whether it's your player or somebody else's player."
Harmotto's 1.50 blocks per game lead the team, and the freshman's 2.96 kills per game place her second on the squad. With what appears to be a serious, season-ending knee injury to Harmotto, Penn State must use this weekend to find the best way to replace her production in the lineup.
"We have a couple options, and we'll practice over the next couple days to see what we can come up with," Rose said. "Then we'll go on the road and see if it transfers."
The options may include moving right side hitter Cassy Salyer back to her former position in the middle, then inserting senior Kim Holm or freshman Laura Holloway on the right. It is also a possibility that Holm will fill in for Harmotto, and Salyer will stay put at opposite.
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