RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Fieldhouse was buzzing as the women's basketball team began its summer workout schedule on Tuesday.
 
This season, the Vaqueros will have lots of fresh faces as they sport eight newcomers
and six returners. The session featured fast-paced drills that tested the Vaqueros fitness, ball control, communication, and teamwork. The Vaqueros passed the test with flying colors as the coaches expressed their satisfaction after practice.
 
"I thought the team had good energy and everybody came in with positive attitude," UTRGV Head Women's Basketball Coach Lane Lord said. "They communicated well together and it's going to be a fun group to work with."
 
The Vaqueros hit the court running as they completed full-court drills that focused on communication, ball handling, court vision, and finishing.
 
"Those drills are always fun," Lord said. "You might work out at home or do some jogging, but it's different once you get on the court."
 
Senior Charlotte O'Keefe and junior Madison Huhn were called on by Lord to demonstrate and explain those drills for the newcomers, creating a smooth transition for the newcomers and inspiring more communication among the players during the first practice.
 
"Charlotte and Madison have stepped up as summer captains, and they are already doing a great job," Lord said.
 
As the Vaqueros ran through full court drills, the newcomers impressed in their first action with the team. Junior Jalayah Ingram flashed her speed and ball handling skills while the freshmen stood out with their skills during the individual drills.
 
"Jalayah is going to be a big-time player for us, and I thought she was very impressive on day one," Lord said. "She's already in great shape, and you can tell she's going to be special. You can tell that are freshmen are already physically ready for the college game. Now, we just got to get them in shape and mentally prepared, but that's what the summer is for."
 
The Vaqueros made it a priority to work on their sharpshooting skills. Last season, the team made 7.1 three pointers per game which ranked second in the Southland Conference. Returning for the Vaqueros are sophomores Kayla Lorenz and Gianna Angiolet. They ranked first and second, respectively, in three-pointers made last season.
 
"I think we've got a really good shooting team, and everybody's a year older now," Lord said. "They've been through the conference season, and almost all our shooters were freshmen last year, so they've been through it all."
 
The Vaqueros will continue practicing for the next eight weeks. The first four weeks will focus on strength, conditioning, and skill development, and in the final four weeks, Lord and his coaching staff will start installing offensive and defensive sets.