NEW YORK – Elena Delle Donne isn't completely her old self. Still, seeing her on the court gives her Delaware teammates a big lift.
The 6-foot-5 All-American missed the first part of the season while dealing with a recurrence of Lyme disease from 2008. She's worked her way back and helped the Blue Hens to victories in their last four games, including the winning shot in the 60-59 overtime victory against St. John's on Wednesday night.
Delaware was coming off the best year in school history after a trip to the second round of the NCAA tournament and a 31-2 mark. The Blue Hens were ranked 11th in the preseason Top 25 poll before Delle Donne began to feel extreme fatigue.
Her stamina was tested this past week, when the Blue Hens played three games in five days. She appears to have made it through the stretch OK with mild fatigue, but only time will tell.
She has eight days to recover before Delaware opens up Colonial Athletic Association play against George Mason on Jan. 10.
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