Pima softball pitcher Shanon Andersen takes a swing at practice this week. The sophomore right-hander had a 19-2 record last season.

Chris Richards / arizona daily star

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The 2007 season will be Stacy Iveson's last as Pima College softball coach. Only one type of ending seems to fit — a national title.

Iveson, who has led the Aztecs to two junior college national titles in the last three years, is leaving Pima after this season to start a softball program at Yavapai College in Prescott.

"I always want to win," said Iveson, who is entering her sixth season. "I just have enjoyed every minute of my experience here at Pima. I'm looking forward to this year definitely. I mean, I want to go out with a strong finish, just like the sophomores want to."

Sophomore pitcher Dana Alcocer, a Canyon del Oro graduate, said Iveson seized a great opportunity.

"She'll do really well at Yavapai and she'll start another amazing program up there," Alcocer said.

Said sophomore catcher Amanda Duran, a Salpointe Catholic graduate: "She's just doing what's best for her family. We'll be disappointed when she leaves because we're losing something really big and special."

Currently, the Aztecs are focused on repeating as national champions. In 2006, fourth-seeded Pima beat third-seeded Gulf Coast Community College of Panama City, Fla., 3-2 for the title.

The Aztecs return nine players from that squad and welcome eight freshmen. The season opens at noon Saturday with the Pima Round Robin at the west campus.

"Experience is definitely a strength," Iveson said. "We've got a pretty balanced offense. We've got a lot of speed and some good power in the middle of our lineup to make things happen offensively."

Pitching might be the Aztecs' biggest strength. Right-handers Alcocer (27-3, 1.82 ERA last season), who threw a complete game to win the national championship and has committed to play at Purdue, and Shanon Andersen (19-2, 2.11) are back. Freshman Ashley Ralston and sophomore Kelly Nielson (9-4, 1.12), who also is a third baseman and has committed to Marshall, complete the staff.

Duran, who has committed to Utah, returns after finishing with 24 home runs and 114 RBIs, which led the nation, in 2006.

Iveson said she expects freshmen Monica Llanez, a first baseman from Pueblo, and Nicole Smith, a third baseman from Sierra Vista, to anchor the defense and bolster the offense.

"Anyone on this team can come up with the big play or the big hit," Duran said. "It will be a tough job for Coach making a lineup."

● The baseball team opens its season today with road games against Saddleback College and Citrus College. The Aztecs were 37-22 overall and 25-13 in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference. They also reached the regional title game last season. Top players include pitchers Chapo Delgado (7-4, 3.10 ERA), Jesus Hernandez (7-2, 4.20), Rene Garcia, who was drafted last year by the Diamondbacks, and catcher Brett Sheppard, who hit .340.

● The men's basketball team is 6-13 overall and 5-6 in the ACCAC. Mark Sanchez (Desert View) led the Aztecs with 30 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday's loss to Eastern Arizona.

● The women's basketball team picked up its first victory in the ACCAC with Wednesday's 73-61 decision over Eastern Arizona.