An MRI test has confirmed that sophomore forward Afton Perry has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus tear in her right knee and she will undergo reconstructive surgery, Coach Mickie DeMoss has announced. Perry will miss the 2004-05 season that begins Friday, Nov. 19 when the Cats play host to Butler.

Perry sustained the injury during UK?s exhibition game vs. the West Coast All-Stars Thursday. Dr. Tim Wilson, the team?s orthopedic surgeon, will perform the procedure Wednesday. Perry will redshirt this season and return as a sophomore for 2005-06.

?It?s so unfortunate this had to happen to Afton,? DeMoss said. ?She said she felt it during the game but thought she was fine. She continued to play and even practiced the next day. We hate it for her because she worked so hard in the off-season and she was playing so well.?

Perry, who earned a starting position vs. the All-Stars, saw action in 19 of 28 games as a freshman and averaged 1.2 points and 6.4 minutes per game. She gave quality minutes off the bench and was looking forward to seeing more playing time at the power forward this season.

The Fort Walton Beach, Fla., native was DeMoss’ first signee last year, joining the Cats in May of 2004.