EDINBURG – Coach Lane Lord likes what he sees from his players so far in practice.

“We’ve come out with great energy and great attitude, it’s contagious,” said Lord. “When you have a great attitude and you work hard, it rubs off on others.”

“Coaches have been awesome,” said junior guard Megan Johnson. “Riding on a wave of positivity at this point. We’re building each other up. Coaches have really bought in every practice. It’s something the girls have really gotten on board with.”

The UTRGV women have six seniors coming back this season. Most of them joined the team last year as transfers, including guard Quynne Huggins. She led the team in scoring at 10 points per game.

“I think Quynne is going to be one of the best players in our league,” said Lord. “She’s a six-foot athlete and can play anywhere on the floor.”

“I have the skills set to be the leading scorer and maybe even the leading rebounder,” said Huggins. “I think I’m able to take that leadership without any pressure on my back. I welcome that kind of stuff.”

The UTRGV women are coming off a losing season, their first in three years.  

“Expectations are higher because we have experienced a lot,” said senior guard Idil Turk. “Hopefully it’ll be a good season.”

The most eye-catching date on the home schedule is December 20th, when the Texas Longhorns come down to the Valley.

ESPN ranks Texas as the 10th best team nationally entering the season.

“It’s huge,” said Johnson. “We’re proud of that. We’re going to take everything at them. They’re a big school, but we’re not scared of anybody.”

“That’s great,” said sophomore guard Valeria Tapia. “I’m really excited. I’m just excited for the season. To play against a team that is in the Big 12, it’s awesome.”

UTRGV’s first game is November 10th against Texas Lutheran.