The South Dakota women's soccer team held its first practice of the fall season Tuesday under six-year head coach Michael Thomas.
 
"Everybody was working hard, and we are really excited for this season," Thomas said. "We still have a lot of work to do, but you can't ask for much more as the coach."
 
Eight out of last season's 11 starters are returning this fall, including senior Ashby Johnston who was last year's third leading scorer.
 
Johnston is one of 12 seniors on this season's roster. There are also two fifth-year players in Shaylee Gailus and Lexie Wood.
 
"I think they started this culturally last spring, but everybody knows there's something different about a senior," Thomas said. "They know that this is the last time they can play. Every one of our seniors is first and foremost a good person, a good teammate and a good student. They're just a joy to be around."
 
The Coyotes enter their non-conference schedule on Saturday with an exhibition game against Iowa at 11 a.m. in Vermillion. This game will be followed by an additional two home exhibition games against Omaha on Aug. 7 and Briar Cliff on Aug. 12.
 
"There's nothing that prepares you better for the game than the game," Thomas said. "You've got to feel a little bit for the freshmen who, four days into this thing, will get their first minutes against the University of Iowa. On the other hand, what a great experience that will be for them and our team."