When the William Smith field hockey team opens the 2010 season under the lights of McCooey Field on Sept. 1, the Herons will have an impressive blend of returning veterans and talented first-years. The coaching staff is confident that the mix will allow them to field a squad that's faster and more explosive that the 2009 team, which posted William Smith's 25th consecutive winning season.

Led by 2009 NFHCA Hall of Fame inductee Sally Scatton (347-104-3 in 22 seasons), the Herons will welcome back its top three scorers and five of the top seven from a year ago. Sophomore forward Annie Kietzman and senior forward Emily Atwan paced William Smith with 25 points apiece, while junior midfielder Kiersten Hamilton was close behind with 23 points. The Liberty League Rookie of the Year, Kietzman (10g, 5a) became the first Heron first-year to lead the team in scoring since current Assistant Coach Sophie Dennis '07 accomplished the feat in 2003. Atwan is lightning fast and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2009 (9g, 7a), earning All-Liberty League honorable mention. Hamilton (9g, 5a) also garnered all-conference honorable mention. She's expected to anchor the midfield this year.

Senior forward Tempe Newson, who burned Elmira for three goals and an assist in the 2009 season opener, sophomore Claire Manchester, and first-year Taylor Cappello are the leading candidates to complete the front line. Sophomore Megan Moll, when not playing on a forward line, will add depth in the midfield.

Senior Sarah Gall should start to the right of Hamilton, while the nod on the left will be a battle between senior Natalie Blauvelt and first-year Amy David. First-year Margaret McConnell should provide quality minutes in the midfield off the bench this season, while sophomore Sara Helmer could factor into the midfield or defensive rotations.

Defensively, senior Chelsea Snyder and sophomore Taryn Little split time in goal last season. Snyder won all five games she started, posting a 0.61 goals against average and an .842 save percentage, while Little had a 2.30 GAA and a .738 save percentage in 12 starts.

They'll return senior Mary Ellen Toscani and sophomore Alyssa David on the wings in front of them. Talented first-years Melanie O'Connor and Morgan Atanasio will hold down the middle. O'Connor will play center back with Atanasio handling sweeper duties. Sophomore Moira Ferguson may also see quality minutes on the back line, with first-years Samantha Iskyan, Megan Silverstein, and Julia Simmons providing depth.

The Herons will begin the season at home for six of their first seven contests and 11 of 18 in all. The season opening match against Oswego will begin at 7 p.m. Fans can follow the action live via streaming video and real-time statistics.