RUSTON ? Louisiana Tech head coach Chris Long has seen both the good and the bad during the first week of Lady Techster workouts.

The good has been the progress of a very young team which opens the season one month from (Saturday) at Western Kentucky.

?I have been pleased with several things during the first week of practice,? Long said. ?The players have been attentive and have given a good effort. With so many newcomers, it is extremely important for them to transition quickly. The best way to do that is to work hard and listen closely at what is being thrown at them.

?The freshman class has already shown that it is a talented class. Once they get used to practicing the way they need to at Louisiana Tech and begin to understand what we expect from them, then they are going to be very good for this program.?

That freshman class took a hit on Sunday as guard Sidney Stewart suffered a knee injury, something that will keep the Arkansas native sidelined for at least three to six weeks.

?It?s a terrible blow to Sidney and to this team,? Long said. ?However, we are fortunate that it isn?t a season-ending injury. She had looked good in individual workouts and this is a tough time for (a freshman) to miss so much practice. I definitely look forward to getting her back.?

Stewart was in the mix for a starting spot in the Tech lineup but will now have to rehab her knee and hope to return sometime in December.

However, despite Stewart?s injury, Long said he is excited about the potential for his team as the season progresses.

?We have a long way to go in a short time but that can be said all over the country,? Long said. ?However, we aren't returning nearly as much experience as most places either. I'm excited about what I've seen so far but also realize we have much to cover. Experience gives you an edge in the little things that wins games. It will take some great practices as well as game experience but we will get there.?