TISHOMINGO, Okla. (KTEN) - Losing a championship game is never fun in any sport. Last May, Murray State softball had to stomach the feeling, falling to Phoenix College in the NJCAA D2 national championship.

"The taste of the championship that we got last year, it was awesome, said MSC sophomore KJ Morgan. "The feel there, it was really fun to be in that atmosphere but we want to be on the top side this year."

The Lady Aggies are doing everything in their power to get back there. This veteran-led group currently has a perfect 38-0 record and possesses the number one ranking in the D2 poll.

"Our offense is really good when we get three times through the lineup," said head coach Aaron Mullens. "We're really good at making adjustments and we use a lot of data sequencing to be able to do that. So we may not start off very good but by the third or fourth inning we find our niche."

"We kind of just want it so much more this year," said sophomore Brylea Russell. "We wanted it a lot last year but I think it's just a different feeling this year.

Murray State finds themselves with a bit of a break in the schedule this week going eight days between games, and even though they're rolling, they'll take the rest.

"I think the kids needed the off time," said Mullens. "College sports is grueling. You're in for 10 months."

As they enter the stretch run of the season, they're focused on playing for a national title but also for two teammates who were injured in a car crash in late March.

"We see it as we have something to play for now," said Morgan. "We always wanted it but we want it more for them. We want it for our teammates who can't be here. We have a lot riding on us this year."