SAN FRANCISCO — Valkyries starters Cecilia Zandalasini and Tiffany Hayes were expected to play in Tuesday’s critical game against the Phoenix Mercury. Neither were listed on Tuesday’s initial injury report, and both took part in pregame warmups as well as media availability.
But just minutes before tipoff, Hayes was ruled out and Zandalasini was not on Golden State’s bench.
According to team officials, Hayes was scratched for rest reasons while Zandalasini was ruled out with tightness in her left calf. Zandalasini was initially announced as a starter, but was not seen on the bench during the announcement of starting lineups.
Second-year guard Kate Martin took Zandalasini’s place as a starter.
Up until the middle of the first quarter, Valkyries officials said the Italian forward was available as she was stretching out her calf. Shortly thereafter, Zandalasini was ruled out.
The Valkyries were already shorthanded without stretch center Iliana Rupert, who is in concussion protocol, dealing a big blow to their rotation against one of the best teams in the league.
Before Tuesday’s game, Nakase said she wasn’t worried about resting her players as every game going forward is a must-win to get into the playoffs.
“We have to win this game again because you can’t rely on what other teams are doing,” Nakase said. “You want to try to always come prepared and always be connected as best you can.”
This story will be updated.