VERMILLION, S.D.—The South Dakota women's basketball team begins its first official day of practice on Monday afternoon.
 
The Coyotes return seven players from last year's squad that advanced to the program's seventh consecutive postseason. South Dakota finished with a 23-9 overall record and advanced to the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.
 
Returners include three starters in junior guard Allison Arens, junior guard Jaycee Bradley and sophomore guard Ciara Duffy. Arens earned first team all-Summit League honors a year ago after leading the Coyotes with 17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Duffy was the 2017 Summit League Freshman of the Year and named to the league's all-newcomer team.
 
Additionally, senior guards Caitlin Duffy and Jasmine Trimboli return after missing the 2016-17 to injury. Duffy was named the 2016 Summit League Transfer of the Year. The duo played key roles on USD's WNIT Championship team the season prior.
 
Other returners include 2017 Summit League Sixth Woman of the Year, Madison McKeever, who enters her sophomore season. Posts returning include senior center Kate Liveringhouse and sophomore forwards Megan Bonar and Taylor Frederick.
 
South Dakota adds four freshmen to the lineup including home-state standout Chloe Lamb of Onida, Monica Arens of Crofton, Nebraska, Liv Korngable of Rochester, Minnesota, and Claudia Kunzer of Bartlett, Illinois. Arens is the younger sister of Coyote basketball players Bridget Arens and Allison Arens.
 
Basketball season tickets are available on GoYotes.com or by calling the USD ticket office at (605) 677-5959.
 
The Coyotes tip off the season at Iowa State on Nov. 10 at noon.