Ayala High School senior striker Makenzy Doniak, arguably one of the best attacking players in Southern California on her way to the University of Virginia, will not be with the team in Ayala’s Division 3 first-round game at home against Sultana on Friday, Bulldogs coach Jeff Allen said.

Doniak’s sister Kylie Doniak, a senior soccer player at the University of Texas and former Ayala standout, was injured in a hit-and-run car accident while crossing the street near the Texas campus earlier this month.

Kylie Doniak remains in intensive care while battling brain swelling and broken bones, but recently opened her eyes and is moving her fingers, her family said.

Makenzy Doniak left to be with her sister soon after the accident and returned to school on Monday. But Allen said she will return to Texas on Friday to be at her sister’s side.

“It’s obviously been a very difficult time for her and all of us,” Allen said. “She said she might play next week (if Ayala advances), but soccer isn’t as important as the life issues she’s dealing with. I think she’s the best player in California but being with her sister and family is more important. It’s a lot more important than soccer.”