Head coach for Gophers women’s basketball Dawn Plitzuweit announced Monday leading scorer Mara Braun will be out indefinitely after suffering a foot injury against Illinois on Sunday, requiring surgery.

Braun’s injury came early in the fourth quarter after falling on her foot following a jump shot. The sophomore hit her fist on the court while seemingly in pain. She quickly got up, limped to the other end of the court and resumed play.

“The development of Mara’s game on both ends of the court this season has been such a joy to watch, and while we know that this setback is incredibly frustrating, we also know that she will continue to be a great teammate and leader in our program,” Plitzuweit said in her statement.

Junior Maggie Czinano went to sub in for Braun, but Braun waved her off, refusing to leave the court. Czinano eventually checked in for Braun later in the game.

The void left by Braun’s shooting will take a toll on the Gophers as they are knee-deep in conference play. Braun ranks second in the nation in free throw percentage (95%) and fourth in the Big Ten in scoring (17.8 points per game).

Braun’s absence leaves a hole in Plitzuweit’s starting lineup, which she has kept consistent since the first game of the season.

“This is also an opportunity for other players to step up and make things happen on both ends of the court for us,” Plitzuweit said.

The Gophers dropped their last two matches on the road and will return to Williams Arena on Wednesday to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions.