RUSTON, La. – The Louisiana Tech women's basketball team officially kicked off the 2021-22 season with the first official practice today inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
"This is one of my favorite days of the year," said head coach
Brooke Stoehr. "It's always exciting to start official practice. Everyone has an extra bounce in their step and its something new from what they've done throughout the summer access and preseason workouts."
The Lady Techsters return it's top two scorers from a season ago, in Conference USA Second Teamer
Keiunna Walker (16.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and
Anna Larr Roberson (11.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg). LA Tech brings back four ladies from last year's squad and welcomes in nine newcomers, including four transfers.
Gabbie Green, a Pittsburgh transfer, played significant time for the Panthers, starting 47 out of 48 games, averaging 8.3 point and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Salma Bates, Tulane transfer,
Jadona Davis, South Alabama transfer, and
Kate Thompson, Wisconsin transfer bring significant experience to this year's squad.
"I was pleased with the approach of our group today," said Stoehr. "The energy and effort was there, and they were excited to be out on the court in a full practice together. This group has been very positive from day one, and it has been fun watching them compete and grow."
Stoehr, in her sixth season with the Lady Techsters, will try to guide Tech back to a third postseason tournament since returning to Ruston in 2016. LA Tech finished the 2020-21 season with a 14-10 overall and 8-8 record in Conference USA play.
"We have several things to clean up as far as execution and game conditioning goes," said Stoehr, "However, I was very pleased with the way the first practice went today. We have healthy competition at every position and it brings out the best in the group. I am excited to watch this group continue to grow together as the year progresses and they compete for a championship."
The Lady Techsters opens regular season play on Nov. 9 as LA Tech battles Jarvis Christian College inside the TAC at 6:30 p.m.
