Kansas City, Mo. ? The companion of a woman who was struck in the face by a shattered bat said she had to wait about 45 minutes before Kansas City Royals officials got her into an ambulance.

Sue Cooney, 64, will require extensive surgery to repair damage to her cheek bone and eye socket, said Mike Sterrett, who shares a home with her in suburban Leawood.

The woman was struck by the shattered bat of outfielder Torii Hunter during the Angels-Royals season opener Thursday. Sterrett said they and others seated around them were angered by the slow response by Royals officials as she sat dazed and bleeding three rows behind the Angels’ dugout.

Bob Rice, the Royals’ vice president for ballpark operations, said there was no undue delay in getting the injured woman into an ambulance. Rice declined to say how long it did take.

“We’re not going to divulge the intricate details of it,” Rice said. “We have a professional medical staff that we’re very pleased with.”

Cooney could not be reached for comment. Sterrett said they were not contemplating legal action, but that they both were angered to read in the Kansas City Star the next day that the Royals announced she was “fine” and had insisted on staying at the game.

“It was very unprofessional. They were very unprepared,” Sterrett said. “She was in a great deal of pain, and we couldn’t get anybody.”

Sterrett said the shattered bat struck Cooney on the right side of the face and she stayed overnight at a hospital.

“Her cheekbone is fractured and twisted. The floor of her eye socket is also fractured,” Sterrett said. “The injuries are very serious. In addition, she had some cuts. Right now, she’s taking pain medication and she is feeling better.”