RUSTON - After enduring subfreezing early morning temperatures while completing their annual boot camp last week, the Louisiana Tech Lady Techster softball team began team practice with all eyes set on the official start of the spring season in early February.

Head coach Mark Montgomery and Co. will open the season Feb. 5 at home against ULM in the first game of the six-team, four-day Lady Techster Invitational featuring the Warhawks, Missouri State, Abilene Christian, SIUE and Arkansas Pine Bluff.

Unlike years past, LA Tech will play the vast majority of the first month of its season at home with 16 of the first 22 contests scheduled for the Lady Techster Softball Complex.

And following an impressive fall season which saw Tech post a 7-1 record while outscoring its opponents 75-27, Montgomery has high hopes for this year's team.

"The all-around effort and energy has been so high in practice," Montgomery said. "I couldn't be prouder of how our players have responded and remained focus despite the adversity of the weather and also an assistant coaching change.

"Our captains have really provided leadership and helped us get off to a great start in practice. They are truly vested and want the program to improve. Bianca (Duran), Janine (Godwin), Anna (Cross) and Pauline (Tufi) have set the bar high in practice and how we as a team approach the daily grind."

Upon returning from Christmas and New Year's break, LA Tech immediately began conditioning. During the first week back in school, the players and coaches met at 6 a.m. for outside conditioning - most mornings with the temperatures hovering in the low 20s.

Montgomery said it didn't faze his players, a fact that didn't surprise the third year Techster head coach considering the condition that they all returned to school in following summer break. Montgomery stated numerous times during the fall that he was pleased with how hard the players worked individually to stay in shape and better themselves during the summer.

This week the combination of rain and cold has affected the practice schedule but hasn't prevented the team from making progress.

"The weather has limited us a bit, but we have been extremely efficient and effective with the time we have had," Montgomery said. "That part has been great. I think that goes back to the leadership of this team."

Tech's roster boasts 10 letter winners and eight newcomers and the chemistry during the fall was a positive sign to the upcoming season.

"We are definitely more talented from top to bottom," Montgomery said. "We have quality depth and that is evident. That always makes a coach feel more comfortable. The culture also seems to be a lot more team oriented. As of now, we couldn't be happier with the way things are going."

Tech fans can follow the Lady Techster softball program through social media avenues, including Facebook (/LATechSB) and Twitter (@LATechsB).