The Ventura College women's soccer team opens its season Friday at Cabrillo College in Aptos.

The Pirates will begin shorthanded after losing freshman midfielder Susanna Alonso, perhaps for the season, in Wednesday's 6-0 scrimmage win at West Valley College.

"I'd lose 6-0 if I could get her back," said Ventura coach Steve Hoffman. "It's just tough. I hate seeing kids injured."

The Buena High product is suspected to have torn knee ligaments. If it is an ACL tear, it would surprising be the first ACL tear on the field in the 13-year history of the program, according to Hoffman.

Ventura has also lost one of its top returners, Nordhoff High product Kristi O'Conner (ankle), and Rio Mesa High product Lindsey Armenta (knee), who was injured during the ODP regional championships in Hawaii earlier this summer.