Sacramento, November 2, 2009 – Sacramento Monarchs guard Ticha Penicheiro underwent successful surgery this morning to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in her right thumb. Hand Specialist Doctor Robert Szabo performed the surgery. It is projected that she will be out three to four months, and a complete recovery is expected.

Penicheiro’s injury occurred on June 7, 2009 against the Seattle Storm at KeyArena. An X-ray and evaluation was conducted immediately in-arena by Seattle Team Doctors to confirm an injury. Penicheiro continued to play throughout the remainder of the season.

In 30 games played during the 2009 regular season, Penicheiro averaged 4.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists (second-highest average in the league), 1.0 steals and 0.13 blocks per game. Following the July 30 game against San Antonio at ARCO Arena, Penicheiro moved into third place in the WNBA in career games played; she finished the season with a tally of 368 games, which also puts her in first in the same category among foreign-born players.