July 10, 2001

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Chrystal Starling, a 5-11 senior from Syracuse, N.Y., underwent successful surgery on June 29 to repair her dislocated right shoulder. She is expected to be out until November and may be available for the start of the 2001-2002 season.

Starling suffered the injury on June 9 in Boston, Mass. during the final practice of the BIG EAST Women's Basketball All-Star Team prior to a tour of Germany. She accompanied the team on the tour but did not play in any of the six games which were all won by the BIG EAST All-Stars.

Starling made a huge contribution last season coming off the bench. She averaged 10.5 points and 4.4 rebounds which ranked second on the team in scoring and fourth in rebounds. Last season, Starling scored in double figures 17 times and pulled down five or more rebounds in 13 games. She led the BIG EAST in free throw shooting hitting 93-of-107 (.869).

Virginia Tech completed the 2000-01 season with a 22-9 overall record and 11-5 in its inaugural season in the BIG EAST Conference. The Hokies advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years and won 20-plus games for the fourth consecutive season.