Gaze returns from injury in empathic fashion

Kate Gaze’s 2016/17 campaign took flight again last weekend when she suited up against Townsville and Sydney Uni after missing six weeks of the season with a stress fracture in her foot. In mid-November, Gaze underwent what was meant to be a precautionary scan after feeling some discomfort in her foot the night before her outstanding game against her old side, Townsville in round 7. In a cruel blow, the MRI revealed how serious the damage was. “I was pretty frustrated and upset [when the injury was confirmed] especially as I was finally starting to get back into the swing of things on the court,” she said. After getting through physiotherapy and rehab, Gaze made her return off the bench last Friday night against the Fire. She played 20 minutes and scored two points in the loss, but was instrumental in UC Capitals’ crucial three point win over the Flames. Gaze finished the night as the game’s leading point scorer with 18, all of which came from three point range. What made this feat even more impressive was that she did not miss an attempt from beyond the arc, converting all six of her opportunities to finish the match with 100% accuracy from downtown. Although she was satisfied with her performance, Gaze said she was just happy to be playing alongside her teammates again. “It felt awesome getting back on court! To be back with the team on the road again and training with them every day, it just feels so good to be part of it all again.”   Aaron Palazzo