The exercises accelerated the players' heart rates in intense fat-burning sessions to get them ready for game shape. Attention spans were tested as each listened for a change of direction on the whistle from strength and conditioning coach Leo Rojas, who lent some assistance with the team. 
 
By incorporating intense periods of work with short recovery segments, intervals allow players to keep the workout intensity high while still maintaining form.
  
"Everybody is working toward a common goal," said Alabama State head softball coach Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson. "Everybody is trying to find their niche.  They're fighting fatigue, the weather and the elements so it's good for us to face these obstacles now.   I appreciate the effort.  They're working hard in the weight room and getting in shape." 
 
The second week of practice started early with weightlifting to strengthen the lower body at 6 a.m. and were followed by the cardio interval training at the football practice facility and concluded with a two-hour regular practice with fielding drills at the ASU Softball Field. 
 
"They're really trying to get to know each other on the playing level," said Steiner-Wilcoxson. "Start trusting each other.  And, that's what we want to emphasize right now.  Just being the best that they can be."
 
Alabama State opens the season with two games scheduled in the Troy Tournament on Feb. 6.  The Lady Hornets will play Buffalo at noon and will follow with a game against North Florida at 5 p.m. 
 
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