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Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley (knee) to miss ACC tournament

Three-time ACC Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley has been ruled out of the ACC tournament because of the knee injury she suffered in Sunday's regular-season finale, Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks announced Friday.

"Unfortunately, she won't be able to participate in this year's ACC tournament," Brooks said on the Virginia Tech Sports Network. "Her health and her safety is the main concern of ours over any kind of game. We are going to sit her this weekend and then reevaluate next week."

No. 11 Virginia Tech advanced to the semifinals of the ACC tournament with a 55-47 win over Miami on Friday.

In her fifth season at Virginia Tech, Kitley is averaging career highs of 22.8 points and 11.4 rebounds, propelling the Hokies to the ACC regular-season championship. The two-time All-American led the Hokies to their first Final Four appearance last season.

The Hokies had won 10 straight games before falling to Notre Dame and Virginia to conclude the regular season. Virginia Tech is projected to be a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament and to host early-round games, but Kitley's status could impact that.