COOKEVILLE, Tenn. --- Practice makes perfect is a phrase that everyone has heard at some point in their lives and there’s no doubt that the hard work the Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team will be the cornerstone to another successful season.

With three days of practice under their belts, the defending Ohio Valley Conference champions are already well into their groove and the reigning OVC Coach of the Year Sytia Messer is pretty satisfied with the team thus far.

“Practice has been going well so far,” Messer said. “Our team has adjusted to the flow of practice quickly and we are excited about the leadership we have coming back this season.

Fans can expect to see a lot of familiar faces from last year’s squad including senior guard Tacarra Hayes, who was named the OVC co-Defensive Player of the Year and to the all-OVC Team for the second straight season.

The Golden Eagles kick off their 2011-12 campaign Monday Nov. 7, as they host an exhibition contest against Bryan College, at 7 p.m. TTU opens the regular season at East Tennessee State Nov. 11, in the first round of the WNIT Preseason Tournament.