When the lights go on tonight at McCooey Field, the William Smith field hockey team will step onto the new AstroTurf with seven returning starters and four of its top five scorers from last season's squad that returned to the Liberty League Tournament for the first time since 2007. The 2010 Herons posted an 11-8 record and pressed then 14th-ranked Hamilton to double overtime in the league semifinals.

William Smith graduated six players who accounted for 41 percent of the team's points last season, but the Herons return a blend of experienced veterans and a full lineup of talented first-years.

Senior Kiersten Hamilton and juniors Alyssa David, Sara Helmer, Annie Kietzman, Taryn Little form the nucleus of the team's leadership. A second-team NFHCA All-Region and All-Liberty League selection, Hamilton is the top returning scorer after producing seven goals and a team-high nine assists. Kietzman, who also garnered second team region and league recognition, is coming off an 18-point season after transitioning from the forward to midfield position. David, Helmer, and Little will anchor the defense. David and Helmer will provide steady defense in front of Little, who produced an 8-7 record, a 1.51 goals against average, and a .744 save percentage.

The sophomore class was impressive in its debut. Melanie O'Connor was the brightest star, capturing first team All-Liberty League and second team all-region honors on the strength of a six-goal, four-assist campaign. Half of her goals proved to be game-winners. Taylor Cappello started 12 of the 15 games she played in tying for third on the team with 18 points. Morgan Atanasio recorded a pair of defensive saves on the backline as a starter. Off the bench, Margaret McConnell (18 gms, 2 gls, 1 asst) and Amy David (18 gms) were key contributors last season, while Samantha Iskyan and Julia Simmons made great strides during the offseason and are poised to take on significant roles in 2011.

The 11-member Class of 2015 has an emphasis on defense with five backs and a goalie.

While the Herons begin the season unranked, they will have plenty of opportunities to earn a spot in the NFHCA top-20. William Smith will face seven of the 20 teams in the preseason coaches poll, beginning with No. 5 Lebanon Valley on Sept. 18 in the second round of the annual William Smith Classic. The Herons will also face No. 2 Messiah, No. 3 Ursinus, No. 7 Skidmore, No. 11 Cortland, No. 17 Hamilton, and No. 20 Geneseo St. in their quest for a 27th consecutive winning season.