Hot off a championship run, which left the Lady Blazers just two runs short of the Division II title in softball, the softball team looks to make another run at the title.

 The team hopes to turn the 4-3 loss to Hawaii Pacific University into motivation for the approaching season.

 “The seniors wanted it for everyone else on the team, but you have to use it [the loss] for motivation, or it will kill you,” Alyssa Shirley, 2010 NCAA D2 Diamond Catcher of the Year, said.

 Now a student assistant for the team, Shirley says the team’s goals are simple. “We want to qualify for the top eight [in the conference] and then make the top four [in the region]. We want to make it to the Super Regionals and get back to Saint Joseph.”

 Head Coach Thomas Macera has the same goals for his team in mind.

 “Our goals have always been the same, win the GSC title and compete for a national title. Our goals never change.”

 Heading into the approaching season, Macera pushes the team’s focus and mental toughness. “You have to move on and take another crack,” Mecera said. “We are mentally built around winning — I just don’t want us to fail on the field.”

 The Lady Blazer softball team will kick off the 2011 season at the Georgia Southwestern Tournament in Americus. The team plays a pair of games on back to back days starting on Feb. 4 at 5 p.m.