In a major blow to the New York Liberty's WNBA championship defense, the team announced Wednesday veteran guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton will be sidelined for five-to-six months after undergoing knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear.

She had a minor procedure last July and was out for roughly six weeks before returning to help the Liberty win the first WNBA championship in franchise history.

The Liberty announced on Monday that guard/forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton underwent successful surgery to repair a meniscus injury in her left knee and she will miss five to six months.