MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota women’s basketball team has suffered a big blow even before the games have begun.

Coach Pam Borton announced Monday that freshman forward Kayla Hirt will miss the entire season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.

Borton says the injury was disappointing for Hirt and the program but that the Gophers are confident “she will return to the court better than ever” next season. Hirt also missed last season at Bemidji High School after tearing the ACL in her other knee. As a junior, she averaged 26 points and 14 rebounds to help the Lumberjacks advance to the Class 3A state tournament.

The Gophers start the season with an exhibition game against St. Cloud State on Nov. 2.

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