MOSCOW, Idaho—The Road to Reno for the 2016 Big Sky champion Idaho Vandals got underway with the teams' first official practice on Sunday.

"I thought it was great to get out here and not have the time limits with the individual workouts," head coach Jon Newlee commented. "We were able to take our time and put our base offense in today which was good for our newcomers. We could go at a slower pace so they could understand things and it is a good refresher for the returners. All in all I thought it was a positive first practice."

Idaho returns a bulk of the 2016 championship squad. Karlee Wilson and Agueda Trujillo are the only two seniors on the 2016-17 roster. Junior Geraldine McCorkell returns as Idaho's top scorer, averaging 11.4 points per game last season. Idaho's 'Splash Sisters', Mikayla Ferenz and Taylor Pierce, return for their sophomore season. The duo combined for 167 total 3-pointers last season.

The Vandals will have to work to replace the holes left by last year's seniors Christina Salvatore, Ali Forde and Connie Ballestero. Redshirt junior Brooke Reilly will be a strong candidate to return back to the starting lineup, after sitting out last season due to injury. Wilson and McCorkell also will be key as the only two returning starters.
"It is very strange to be out here without Ali, Christina and Connie," Newlee added. "We had four years of doing what they did. They all had great careers. It was definitely different when I stepped in the gym and did not Christian's loud voice. People are going to have to step up. Our freshman had great years last year. We have Karlee and get Brooke back in the fold. We lost a lot, but I think we have those holes filled."

Sunday marked the first collegiate practice for freshman Jenae Lewallen, Cherita Daugherty, Isabelle Hadden and Daylee Hanson. Lewallen and Daugherty and Hanson will help add depth to the guards, while Hadden joins the posts.

"We lost five seniors [from last year]," Wilson said after practice. "Us two seniors have to step up and be the leaders of the team. We need to show the new freshmen and younger girls how it is done. How we work hard every day at practice. It is a big role but we can do it."

Idaho's first test on the court comes on Nov. 5 in an exhibition against Multnomah. The Vandals' first regular season game is at old Western Athletic Conference rival, Seattle U, on Nov. 11. Idaho's first home game of the season is not until Dec. 17, against Central Washington.

Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho women's basketball by following the team on twitter, @VandalsWBB.