UPDATE: Perth Lynx star Ally Wilson will don a temporary mask during tonight’s crucial match against the Geelong Venom, as she awaits a custom-made shield to protect her broken nose. The mask Wilson used on Sunday is set to carry her through this high-stakes clash at Geelong Arena, with the game tipping off at 7:00 PM local time.
Wilson suffered her injury in a game against Townsville on November 4. Despite the pain and discomfort from her bruised face, she scored 14 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and provided four assists in the Lynx’s victory over the Southside Melbourne Flyers last Sunday. The reigning Lynx MVP acknowledged the challenges of playing with a temporary mask, stating, “I would rather not play with a mask on. It was super annoying and uncomfortable, but it is what it is.”
Wilson’s custom mask is expected to arrive next week, offering her a better fit and improved comfort during gameplay. “This one isn’t custom fit to my face,” she explained, emphasizing her eagerness for the new equipment. “I’ll just deal with this one in the meantime.”
The Lynx enter tonight’s game with a solid 4-1 record and are looking to continue their success after narrowly defeating the Venom by one point earlier this month. As they strive to fine-tune their gameplay, the team faces additional challenges with the anticipated arrival of 211cm Chinese star Han Xu. Currently, American Brianna Turner serves as a short-term replacement, but coach Ryan Petrik acknowledges the complexities in adapting their strategy to accommodate both players’ differing styles.
“We’ve tried to build a style for that so when she arrives, it’ll still be clunky to start with, but hopefully less so,” Petrik stated. He noted that Turner’s unique skill set may necessitate a shift in tactics for the next three games she is available.
Fans and supporters of the Perth Lynx are eagerly awaiting updates as Wilson takes the court tonight with the temporary mask. Will she lead her team to victory against the Geelong Venom? Stay tuned for live updates and post-game reactions.
