Last May, the Valdosta State softball team was poised to make a return to the National Championship game. Instead, rival Alabama-Huntsville flexed its muscle, eliminating the three-time defending Gulf South Conference champion Blazers from the South Regional Tournament.

Despite the losses, which came on back-to-back days to the Lady Chargers, who eventually went on to play for the Division II national championship, the team is not focusing on the past. Instead, the Blazers are looking ahead to the promising 2012 season.

“We try not to relish on the past and focus on what is happening this year,” Valdosta State head coach Thomas Macera said. “If you keep looking back it is going to hurt you more than help. We have a lot of older players here and a lot of experience and lets feed on that.”

For Valdosta State, today marks the start of a new season.

 The Blazers get the action started with a doubleheader against Barry University, while will be followed up with a doubleheader versus Nova Southeastern on Sunday.  

The Blazers will not be at full-strength to begin the season, as senior third baseman Samantha Posey is out with an injured ankle. Posey is expected to rejoin her team in early March.

Even with the absence of Posey, the Blazers should be fine, thanks to one of the deepest rosters in recent years. The Blazers return nearly every member of last year’s team, including the entire infield, which features Posey, Marti Littlefield, April Hutchens and Natalia Morozova. Junior Ashley Steinhilber returns for her second season behind the plate.

“They understand what the expectations are and they know how we play here,” Macera said. “They want to play their best because they want to get back to nationals. They know it is going to take their best effort each and every day.”

In the outfield, 2010 Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year Morgan Johnson returns to her spot in left field. She will be joined in the outfield by her younger sister, Fran Johnson, who will likely share time in right field with senior Clare Wamsley and junior Sarah Vaughn.

Freshman Courtney Albritton, who played at Tift Area, will likely replace Melessa Jackson in center field while also splitting time behind the plate with Steinhilber, who could also see time at first base.

“Everyone is pretty versatile,” Catcher Ashley Steinhilber said. “We don’t have a girl that can just play this position or that position.”

One thing that will be different for Valdosta state in 2012 will be the pitching. Following last season, the Blazers lost the top three pitchers on the roster (Holly Satterfield, Margaret Carter and Krystle Robinson).  

Alanna Hadley and Courtney Gumby are expected to serve as the No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers for the Blazers, although senior Julia Fink is expected to see an increased amount of time in the circle. Hadley joins the Blazers after spending time at the University of Georgia.

“The fall helped out a lot,” said Steinhilber, who has had to adjust to the new pitchers. “Our No. 1 and No. 2 are locked down pretty good, and then we have some people fighting for three, four.”

While the team chases records in 2012, Littlefield chases her own records. The former Berrien Rebel ranks fourth in the conference in career home runs (47) and third in runs batted in (185). Littlefield needs just 11 home runs and 49 RBI to become the conference all-time leader in both categories.

Last season, Littlefield led the Blazers with a .385 batting average and 16 doubles, although she recorded a career-low five home runs and 31 RBI.

“Well, she is a two-time All-American and she has definitely has the ability do this as long as she keeps the pressure off herself,” Macera said. “But, she is definitely a talented young lady.”

Following this weekend’s action in Pensacola, Fla., the Blazers will face Albany State on Feb. 13 in the home opener.

While non-conference play is critical, conference play will be another tough test for the Blazers this season, as Alabama-Huntsville is expected to once again contend for the championship. The Lady Chargers were the pre-season favorite to win the GSC, while the Blazers were picked to finish second.

Along with UAH, West Alabama and West Florida could pose problems for Valdosta State this season, according to Macera. The Blazers open conference play March 10 against West Georgia.

“We need to play as a team,” Macera said. “We have a lot of good players at the all the positions.”