CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. ? The reigning Southern Conference Champion Lady Mocs softball team began preparations to defend their title Monday, as fall workouts began for the squad.

The team went through a weight lifting session this morning at 6:15 a.m. and will continue team workouts, which include weight-lifting, conditioning, and softball-related practice, throughout the week.

"Today was our first day in the weight room, and we got a good report from that," Head Coach Frank Reed said. "We are going to start with an eight-hour work week and then after Sept. 15, we will expand that to 20 hours a week."

Reed said he uses the fall practice period as an opportunity to begin to find what players are ready to work hard for the upcoming season, as well as try to build good team chemistry.

"This is an important time to get the players to mesh as a team. We want to use these workouts as an opportunity for the players to bond not only with each other, but it is also a good time to get to know us coaches," said Reed.

The Lady Mocs will continue their workouts throughout the fall, building up to their Blue and Gold Game on Oct. 11 at 11:00 a.m. on Frost Field. That day there will also be a ring presentation, celebrating last season's Southern Conference Title.