The LSU women’s basketball team is preparing for the 2016-17 season with a roster full of star players.
The Lady Tigers’ first practice of the season started Monday on the practice court in the PMAC.
“There were some bright spots in practice, but it’s early,” coach Nikki Fargas said in a press release Monday. “We have a long way to go to get everybody playing with a sense of urgency.”
Seniors Alexis Hyder, Rina Hill and Jasmine Rhodes return to the court as LSU senior leaders, as does sophomore Shanice Norton.
Junior Jenna Deemer makes a reappearance to LSU after being sidelined because of an illness.
Throughout the 2015-16 season, the Lady Tigers’ roster began to diminish with injuries, affecting the play on the court. LSU finished the season with an overall record of 10-21 and an SEC record of 3-13.
Junior Raigyne Moncrief and freshman Ayana Mitchell also return after sitting the previous season out because of knee injuries.
There are some new additions to the squad as well.
Transfer and sophomore students Chloe Jackson and Tatum Neubert will make their debuts this seasons, as both missed last season because of national transfer rules. Jackson played previously at N.C. State and Neubert played at Oregon.
Jackson will miss the beginning of the season because of an injury during the summer.
LSU is welcoming four newcomers, including: Yasmine Bidikuindila, Faustine Aifuwa, Jaelyn Richard-Harris and Stephanie Self.
The Lady Tigers begin the season playing against LeMoyne-Owen at 2 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the PMAC.
“We are counting down the days, but we are taking it one day at a time and hopefully we are going to continue to see improvement with this group,” Fargas said.