CSUN Softball Pair to Miss Season

Two projected starters for the Cal State Northridge softball team will redshirt this season because of injuries suffered in a car accident last month, Coach Janet Sherman said.

Shelby Wilcox and Traci Gallian are recovering from an accident in Morro Bay that killed the man driving the truck that hit them. A car driven by Gallian was hit almost head-on while the players were en route to Atascadero. The driver of the truck was drunk, police said.

Wilcox, a junior outfielder, suffered a skull fracture and a broken right thighbone. Sherman said Wilcox will need nine to 12 months to recover.

Gallian, a sophomore who might have started in the outfield or at designated player, suffered a broken collarbone. She will not be cleared to practice until March.

Although Gallian might be ready to play by midseason, Sherman decided to hold her out in order to retain a full year of eligibility.

The accident leaves the Matadors with 14 players.

“We can’t afford to lose any more,” Sherman said.