"This wasn't always like this when I got here" - Elizabeth Kitley opens up on warm reception from Virginia Tech crowd amid season-ending injury

Elizabeth Kitley of the Virginia Tech Hokies suffered a season-ending injury in their regular-season finale against the University of Virginia. The three-time ACC Player of the Year tore her ACL and has been ruled out for the rest of the season, confirmed coach Kenny Brooks on Thursday.

Kitley attended the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Baylor to support her team. The reception she received was overwhelming, with the crowd giving her a standing ovation.

When asked about the crowd's reaction to her entry, Elizabeth said:

"It means everything. This wasn't always like this when I got here. First, I wanted to build this program and the community has been incredible. The love is very mutual ... It's nice that they appreciate me but I probably appreciate them more."

Kitley returned for her fifth year of eligibility in the hope of taking her team to the Final Four. Virginia Tech defeated Marshall 92-49 without Kitley at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia on Friday. However, they succumbed to a 75-72 defeat at the hands of Baylor on Sunday.

Kitley is a three-time All-American. She averaged 22.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks this season. She played a crucial role in driving Virginia Tech to its first-ever ACC regular-season title and set a conference record for double-doubles.

What happened to Elizabeth Kitley?

In the regular season finale against the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech's center suffered a non-contact knee injury in the third quarter. She was fouled on her right side when attempting a layup.

Kitley hit the floor and grabbed her left knee. She returned to the bench and didn't play the rest of the game.

Virginia Tech v Marshall

Before leaving the game, Kitely scored 20 points, collected nine rebounds, and made four blocks in 22 minutes.

On Thursday, Kenny Brooks confirmed the news of the ACL tear.

"[It's been] hard [for Kitley], she's been emotional. I've been emotional. I think we probably text each other probably 30 times a day. She will be good and then she will be sad. The kid has put everything into this and she's the reason we are here. She's the reason we are here... the kid ate, slept, drank basketball, but everything Hokie basketball," said Kenny Brooks via ESPN.