SPRINGFIELD -- The Missouri State Lady Bears held their first practice of the 2014-15 season Monday afternoon on the Turner Family Practice Court inside Hammons Student Center. Now in her second season leading the Lady Bears, head coach Kellie Harper was excited to see this year's squad on the floor.

"We had a lot of energy and gave good effort today, which is really important right now as we build our defensive package," Harper said after the practice. "Installing our offense will take some time, but our players are eager to grasp the concepts and put it all together on the floor."

Missouri State showed glimpses of a bright future during Harper's first season in 2013-14, with an 11-4 record in a stretch from Dec. 15 to Feb. 7 that included a victory over Missouri. MSU returners seven letterwinners, led by all-conference guards Kenzie Williams and Tyonna Snow, along with senior NiJay Gaines, junior Hillary Chvatal, and sophomores Lexi Hughes, Onye Osemenam and Rachel Swartz.

Six newcomers, including four all-state high school performers in Aubrey Buckley, Liza Fruendt, Audrey Holt and Lee Ann Polowy, as well as Kori Farmer and Riley Israel, join the roster for the upcoming campaign.

The season's first chance to see the Lady Bears in action on the court will be Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. inside McDonald Arena. Both the men's and women's teams will be on the floor for 30 minutes in the historic building prior to MSU's Homecoming football game at 2 p.m. that afternoon. The $5 adult admission to the scrimmage will benefit the Missouri State University College of Arts and Letters' Master Class Series, and students with a valid BearPass card and all children 12 and under will be admitted free. Both teams will meet fans, sign autographs and distribute schedule cards and posters afterwards.

The Lady Bears begin exhibition play Nov. 4 at 7:05 p.m. with Central Methodist and tip off the regular season Nov. 14 at Memphis.

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