(This story has been updated with new information.)

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — South Carolina women’s basketball Forward Chloe Kitts will start Saturday’s game against NC State.

minutes ago Gamecocks As the (2-0) took the field to face the Wolfpack (1-1), the team announced on the X, formerly known as Twitter, that Kitts would not play due to an academic policy issue.

Coach Dawn Staley made a statement in a social media post.

“We are disappointed that Chloe had to sit out today due to an academic policy issue,” Staley said. “Chloe has shown tremendous growth both academically and athletically throughout the offseason, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in every aspect. While she will not be able to play today, we are incredibly proud of the progress she has made.”

Staley confirmed after the game that this was a one-game situation and that Kitts would return for the home opener against Coppin State on Thursday.

Kitts started 31 of 37 games last year and was the leading scorer with 19 points and 14 rebounds in the season opener on Monday.

Sania Feagin remained in the starting lineup and freshman Joyce Edwards made her first start in place of Kitts. The usual trio of guards for South Carolina started Saturday.

Junior forward Ashlyn Watkins, who was suspended from Aug. 31 until Wednesday, returned to the field.

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Lulu Certain covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and USA TODAY Network. Email him/her [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin

This article was first published in Greenville News: South Carolina women’s basketball forward Chloe Kitts was ruled out against NC State