UCLA Women's Basketball Suffers Major Setback With Lena Bilic's Season-Ending Injury

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, defending national champions, have received a significant blow just a month before their season opener. Sophomore guard Lena Bilic will miss the entire upcoming season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during practice, the team announced Sunday.

Bilic was considered a likely starter for the Bruins, who face the challenge of replacing their top six players from last season's championship squad. Coach Cori Close expressed her disappointment in a statement, saying, "We are devastated for Lena. She is such an important part of what we do here, and I know she’ll continue to be impactful for us through her recovery."

During her freshman season, Bilic provided valuable contributions off the bench, averaging 12.1 minutes per game. She showed flashes of her potential and impact, scoring in double figures three times, including a 13-point performance against Oregon. Known for her energy and hustle plays, she also recorded 13 steals, nine blocks, and 21 assists.

Bilic's absence intensifies the reliance on UCLA's transfer class, which includes guards Elina Aarnisalo (North Carolina), Donovyn Hunter (TCU), KK Bransford (Notre Dame), and Bonnie Deas (Arkansas). Freshman guard Somto Okafor also joins the team.

The Bruins are set to begin their season with an exhibition game against Cal on October 14, followed by their official opener against Lehigh on November 2. The team will hold a ring ceremony and raise their championship banner before facing Princeton on November 15.