Cisneros returns in time for post season play

Lizzy Cisneros looks to make a pass against Junction City Wednesday during the first round of Sub-State. Cisneros returned after missing the end of the regular season after injuring her foot and being placed in a boot. L&T photo/Earl WattEARL WATT • Leader & Times

Lizzy Cisneros has been a multi-sport athlete for Liberal High School since her freshman year, and the last thing she expected was a late-season injury that would sideline her during a critical run for both the Western Athletic Conference crown and the playoffs.

But that’s exactly what happened, and the senior point guard found herself with her foot in a boot watching from the sidelines.

“Off the court was hard,” Cisneros said. “It was hard sitting on the bench and watching. But I had a supportive team and coaches that helped me get back in the flow. It was fun going back out there.”

Cisneros was preparing for a Feb. 3 game against Great Bend when the injury occurred.

“The day after we played Hooker at practice, we were going five on five,” she said. “I landed on another player’s foot, and I tore my ligaments on the side and in the front. It was a rough time, but we got back.”

Cisneros plays a crucial role in giving starting point guard Hailey Contreras a break as well as being a go-to player if Contreras or others get in foul trouble. Cisneros has been able to come off the bench and continue to run the offense while also providing shut down defense.

“Lizzy’s role is so big,” Liberal coach Brandi Fowler said. “Once she came out of the boot, she practiced this week. She was chomping at the bit to get back on the floor. When all five seniors were able to share that moment of being on the floor together, that was special.”

Cisneros did limp on to the floor on Senior Night after Fowler discussed it with the official who said he would take an official’s time out immediately after the tip to let Cisneros limp back to the bench.

“Throughout high school I thought I would start and play on senior night of my senior year,” Cisneros said. “I am really thankful that I had the team, coaches and the refs behind me and allowed me to do that.”

Wednesday, she was able to get back on the floor when it counted in a playoff game.

“It was surreal,” she said. “I didn’t realize I was back to playing. My team and coaches were all encouraging me to do it, so it was fun.”

And for a competitor like Cisneros, getting back on the floor was a mission.

“This was my senior year,” she said. “I pushed myself, and I knew I could do it. My physical trainer knew I could get back if I worked and pushed myself. I had to get back. I needed to get back. It helped me having everyone behind me.”