Sokolich-Beatson to miss Finals Series

The SKYCITY Mystics have been dealt a blow on the eve of their Elimination Final with dynamic, young defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson ruled out of the ANZ Premiership Finals Series.

The young defender has been medically ruled unfit to play for two weeks after suffering an acute lower back injury.

The loss is a blow to the SKYCITY Mystics on the eve of their Elimination Final against the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse on Sunday in Wellington.

“Naturally we are devastated that she won’t be with us for the Finals Series – she is a vital part of our defensive end, but player welfare is a priority for us,” coach Helene Wilson said.

“Michaela has been a consistent performer for the team this year and has really risen to the challenge these last few weeks.

“It’s a big loss for us, but we are confident with the players we have that we can get the job done.”

Sokolich-Beatson will continue on a managed training programme for the next two weeks, however match play was considered by the medical team as too high risk.

Jess Bourke has been brought into the team for the Elimination Final.