A-C Valley senior Olivia Boocks (7) tries to tip the ball over the net in a recent match. Boocks, coming off surgery on her right knee last winter, is off to a big start for the undefeated Falcons.

FOXBURG — Olivia Boocks was crawling out of her skin.

Only able to watch her A-C Valley girls basketball teammates play for a District 9 Class A title against North Clarion instead of participating herself was gut-wrenching.

“I wanted to play a lot,” she said, “but I wasn't allowed. It was horrible.”

Just six weeks earlier, Boocks was going up for a layup at Forest Area when a player bumped her right leg. She landed awkwardly and her knee “locked up.”

She was hoping it wasn't too serious.

It was.

Boocks had a major tear in her meniscus. Instead of removing it entirely, the surgeon opted to repair it instead.

Her long-term future was the focus, not her short-term athletic career.

It turned out to be the correct decision.

Now healthy again, Boocks is off to a big start for the Falcons' volleyball team.

Boocks, sometimes only playing one game in frequent Falcon routs this season, is averaging 9.4 kills, five digs and three aces per match.

Read more about her Boocks comeback in Friday's Butler Eagle.