Dec. 28, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland freshman Laura Harper will miss the remainder of the season due to an Achilles tendon injury in her left ankle which she suffered in practice on Monday night, head coach Brenda Frese announced. Harper will undergo surgery later this week.

"We are disappointed for Laura. She was beginning to come into her own as a collegiate player," said coach Frese. "Her presence will be missed on the floor, however, this team is ready to make the adjustments to continue to compete at a high level. They will grow through this adversity and rise to the challenge."

Named ACC Rookie of the Week on Nov. 29, Harper was averaging 13.2 points per game and was leading the conference with 9.8 rebounds per game. A starter in every game this season, the 6-foot-4 forward recorded three double-doubles, including a 17-point, 16-rebound outing vs. No. 1 LSU.

Harper is one of four freshmen to join the Maryland squad this season. That class was rated No. 2 in the country by the Blue Star Report. Harper was a McDonald's and Parade All-American as a high school senior and helped the USA Women's Junior World Championship Team win a gold medal this summer.