RUSTON - Louisiana Tech began practice Saturday morning in preparation for its defense of back to back Western Athletic Conference titles as head coach Kurt Budke's Lady Techsters conducted a 75-minute work out at the Thomas Assembly Center

Budke, who returns seven letter winners and even more importantly four starters from last year's 31-3 team that advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, said he was pleased with what he saw in day No. 1.

"I really thought we looked sharper than I expected for a first day," said the second year head coach. "I thought the kids were excited about getting started and it showed today. The first day is always tough, especially when we are scrimmaging and the five newcomers really haven't had time to learn offensive plays, but I liked what I saw."

Budke used the first 40 minutes of the practice for team and conditioning drills before using the final 35 minutes for an intra-squad scrimmage. Noticeably absent from the floor but very vocal on the sideline was senior forward and 2003 preseason WAC Player of the Year Trina Frierson, who is expected to miss the first three weeks while recovering from surgery.

"There is no doubt that we miss Trina," Budke said. "Your talking about what I consider one of the top 10 players in the country. She's not only one of our best players she is our vocal leader. I'll be glad when she's back on the floor for us."

The scrimmage was divided into a pair of 10-minute quarters and one five-minute quarter as the Tech coaching staff divided the 12 active players up evenly on two separate teams. Tech's depth and quickness at the guard position was on display.

"We pushed the basketball a lot last year, but you will see us turn it up a notch this season," Budke said. "We have as much depth at guard as people have seen in a long time and we are going to use that to our benefit. This will be a fun team to watch."

Tech's season opener is Nov. 21 when the Lady Techsters travel to Stephen F. Austin.