VU women might finish season without top rebounder

The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team is facing the possibility that it might have to finish the regular season – and then some – without one of its starters.

Sophomore center Hannah Tuomi arrived for practice Friday afternoon on an electric scooter and equipped with crutches so as to keep all weight off an injured left foot.

According to coach Melanie Balcomb, Tuomi’s status is considered day-to-day pending the results of additional tests. She said the issue is the result of cumulative wear and tear instead of a singular event.

The Commodores (21-7, 10-3 in the SEC) will complete the SEC regular season Sunday at the University of Tennessee (7 p.m., Thompson-Boling Arena).

“She's got some soreness in her foot,” Balcomb said. “We’re optimistic that it won’t be long-term, but we don’t know right now. We should know more soon.”

Tuomi is one of four VU players who have started all 28 games this season. She leads the team in rebounds at 5.9 per game and is second in scoring at 11.4 points per game.

She has started 49 straight contests dating back to last season.

“People have seen her and she’s a huge part of our team,” senior forward Christina Wirth said. “We’re not the only team in the country that has had to deal with injuries. We’re just going to do our best.”

Tuomi played just 14 minutes (zero points, two rebounds) in the Commodores’ most recent contest, a 71-69 loss at Ole Miss on Sunday.

“Hannah means so much to this team and to each person on this team that I think everyone will try as hard as they can – bring in more than they ever have – to make up for her not being there,” senior Jennifer Risper said. “Until she gets back, that is.”

Vanderbilt has clinched no worse than second place in the regular season standings and will begin play in the SEC tournament March 6. The NCAA tournament does not begin until March 21.