Colorado women's basketball coach Linda Lappe is entering her third season with the Buffaloes, looking to continue the improvement the team underwent in 2011-12.

Under Lappe, Colorado has made the WNIT twice and reached the quarterfinals last season after a 21-14 season. In her first year with the Buffaloes, Lappe's team went 18-16.

Lappe spoke about the coming season on Tuesday following the first official practice of 2012-13:

"I think we were all ready," said Lappe, who is 39-30 at CU. "We had a great preseason, but there's nothing like putting on the practice gear and getting after it as a team. We talked to our team about getting better individually and that's going to help our team, but now it's about getting better as a team. I think that's the most exciting part."

CU has a returning squad full of experience, as just one senior graduated from last year's team. The Buffaloes open the season on Sunday, Nov. 11 against Idaho.