After spraining her ankle on March 9, Penn State senior captain Christina Buttle has been watching the Penn State women's lacrosse team from the sidelines.
She was expecting to play at 3 p.m. tomorrow against Delaware, but the high ankle sprain was more severe than first thought. So, Buttle is hoping to return next week and finally put the first injury of her career behind her.
"It's incredibly difficult to watch from the sidelines," Buttle said. "It is for the better, though, because I am not fully back yet. I wouldn't be any asset to the team if I played."
Buttle has been training two times a day, working on motion exercises every day and running on the Elliptical and treadmill to get back on the field. Tuesday was the first day she practiced with the team since her injury.
The defender is thankful for the players who have come off the bench, saying sophomore Margo Josephs and others have been playing well. Because of the backups' performances, Buttle said she won't expect to start when she is ready to come back.
"It's tough, especially for people to see a lot of playing time to sit out," Penn State coach Suzanne Isidor said. "But she is a leader on this team, and we are still relying on her leadership even if she is not on the field."
Buttle often cheers on her teammates from the sidelines during games. And she's always offering advice to others, whether that be during games or practice.
The rest of the team is relying on that support tomorrow to gain confidence on the field after starting the season 2-5.
The women have struggled with consistency in their first seven games and have let their emotions get to them, senior midfielder Jessi Lieb said.
"Obviously, it's not fun to lose," Lieb said. "People have been getting down on themselves, but in my opinion, it gives us that much more to fight for."
Buttle is confident her teammates will do well tomorrow. She said Delaware is not a fast team so the Nittany Lions should see improvements in their attack, something they have been struggling with this season.
Even without one of its key defenders in the game, Penn State will be able to utilize its defense because of an injury to one of Delaware's players.
"Delaware is a very athletic team," Isidor said. "We are expecting a tough, physical matchup from them."
As the rest of the team puts on their uniforms and walks onto the field, Buttle will remain next to the coaches and trainers on the sidelines.
"The defense has been doing fine without me," Buttle said. "I just want to make sure I am fully ready to play, because I don't want to go out on the field and die."
