The Pulse have faced another set-back through injury, with shooter Khiarna Williams forced to the sidelines. Photo: PhotoWellington
Shooter Khiarna Williams has become the latest casualty in a wretched run of injuries for Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse in this year’s ANZ Premiership netball league.
Williams suffered a calf strain during the warm-up of last weekend’s match between the Pulse and Magic and is expected to be out for up to six weeks.
Williams joins fellow shooters Tiana Metuarau and Amelia Walmsley on the sidelines, the Pulse now without the services of any of the shooters named in their original team for this season. Adding to the depleted side is midcourter Maddy Gordon who is out with ankle ligament damage.
``This is so disappointing for Khiarna and for us as a team,’’ Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola said.
``In her first year back after two years out with injury, Khiarna was doing so well in her comeback. She has had some great game-winning moments for us this year performing under immense pressure while showing her potential as a strong up-and-coming shooter.
``We’re rallying around, offering her all the support she needs and look forward to seeing her back out there when fully recovered.’’
As a result, Central Manawa injury replacement player Martina Salmon has been fully contracted to the Pulse for the rest of the season.
Salmon, who has played the last two rounds for the Pulse, joins training partner Kiana Pelasio, who has been with the team for much of the season while Comets National Netball League player Crystal Maro has been drafted into the ranks for this weekend as a temporary replacement player to round out the shooting end.
``Martina has made a stellar start to her career at the elite level and done a terrific job for us,’’ Andrews-Tasola said.
``She has slotted into the team seamlessly and we welcome her onboard in a fulltime capacity. We are excited to watch her growth and continued progress.’’
The Pulse meet the Steel in a Round 8 clash in Invercargill tomorrow (Saturday).
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