The Ventura College women's basketball team (8-0) will play its first game as the state's No. 1-ranked team tonight in Visalia without starting center Julie Heurung, according to coach Ned Mircetic.

The Buena High product is coming off one of her best games in a Ventura uniform Sunday night. She had 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks as the Pirates halted the 45-game winning streak of three-time defending state champion and previous No. 1-ranked Mount San Antonio, 65-42, in the final of the VC-Kiwanis Tournament of Champions.

Combined with the loss of the team's other center, Jessica Jameson, last week, Heurung's absence leads the Pirates thin in the frontcourt. Freshman Kris King is expected to get the start tonight, backed up by 5-foot-9 reserve Lacey Escamilla.

Heurung will be attending her sister's wedding Thursday night. She is expected to rejoin the Pirates Friday at the 16-team Gilcrest Invitational.

"She's coming up tomorrow morning with her mom," said Mircetic.