WACO - The Baylor soccer team opened 2012 with its first practice on Thursday at Betty Lou Mays Field.

"This team was so eager to get back out here and start practice," head coach Marci Jobson said. "I was really pleased with everyone's fitness level, which helps us get straight into soccer-specific skills."

Day one began with a conditioning test at 7:15 am, which earned the praise of the staff for a 100 percent passing rate. The afternoon featured recovery and an indoor tactical session before a night time scrimmage on Betty Lou Mays Field.

The 2012 squad is looking to continue the momentum started from the 2011 campaign, which saw the Bears advance to their first NCAA Tournament since 1999 and first NCAA Tournament win in program history. "Last year's team took the program to a new level," Jobson said. "But we start this season completely fresh and this year's team has to create its own identity."

Baylor will continue preseason training until traveling to Notre Dame for an exhibition game on Sun., Aug. 12 at Noon CST.