The William Smith College soccer team, ranked No. 2 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's preseason poll, will begin the 2012 season with its annual Heron Cup on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The Herons will take on Babson on Friday, Aug. 31, on Cozzens Field at 4:30 p.m. William Smith will then play the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire the next day at 4 p.m.

In 2011, the Herons posted a 20-1-1 overall record. William Smith set a program record for wins in a season (20) and lowest goals against average (0.14). The Herons advanced to the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals for the eighth time in program history and the third time in the last four years. William Smith led the nation in goals against average, shutout percentage (.864), and save percentage (.919).

This year, the Herons will set their sights on capturing their sixth consecutive Liberty League regular season and tournament titles and making another run deep into the NCAA tournament. William Smith graduated 10 seniors from last year's roster and will have some big shoes to fill in 2012. Head Coach Aliceann Wilber will look to her 14 returners for experience and leadership. In addition, the Herons welcome nine first-years to the squad.

William Smith returns its top three scorers from 2011. Sophomore Dineo Mmutla, the 2011 Liberty League Rookie of the Year, started 21 games last season. She led the Herons with 28 points on 12 goals and four assists. The first-team all-league selection notched six game-winning goals. She also earned a spot on the 2011 Liberty League All-Tournament team. Senior Whitney Frary, an NSCAA/Continental Tire second team All-American and D3soccer.com second team All-American, started every game for William Smith last fall.  The first-team all-league honoree ranked second on the team with 24 points on nine goals and a team-high six assists. Classmate, Renee Jensen logged 13 points in 2011, tallying four goals and five assists. Jensen was selected to the 2011 NCAA All-Tournament team.

Also back at forward is sophomore Madeline Buckley. Buckley played in all 22 games last year and registered two goals and two assists. Senior Rachel Geruso and junior Kimberly Knefel will bolster the Heron offense. Geruso played in nine games and scored a goal, while Knefel saw time in eight matches. First-year Alexis Koral will look to be a scoring threat for the Herons in her rookie season.

In the midfield, the Herons return junior Danielle Moreau, who played in 15 games in 2011. Sophomore MaryClaire Pelletier will be back after playing in 17 games as a first-year. Sophomore Caitlyn Mitchell, who made the jump to the varsity squad late last fall, as well as senior Jocelyn Rapp, who played on the junior varsity team last year, will bring depth for William Smith at midfield. In addition, the Heron Class of 2016 features five midfielders, Zoe Eth, Annie Bynke, Emma Bracken, Kathryn Busa and Melissa O'Brien.

Senior Kelsey Hill and junior Olivia Zitoli will anchor the Heron defensive unit. Hill, an all-league honorable mention selection and a member of the 2011 Liberty League All-Tournament team, played in 20 games, starting 18. She chipped in a goal and two assists. Zitoli played in all 22 games last fall, starting 12, and earned an assist. The pair helped last year's stifling defense that only allowed three goals and set a program record with 19 shutouts.

Sophomore Brenna Kincaid will transition from midfield into a defensive role for William Smith this season. She saw time in every game and added a goal and an assist last fall. Sophomore Riley McCarthy will be back after making the move from the junior varsity squad to the varsity roster late last year. Two first-years, Nicki Johnson and Zoe Jackson Gibson will step into defensive roles for the Herons.

Junior Chelsea Dunay will take over as starting goalie for William Smith in 2012. Last season, she played in six games and stopped every shot she faced. First-year Jackie Doyle will back Dunay up in goal.

After hosting the Heron Cup, William Smith will travel to take on top-ranked Messiah on Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. The Herons kick off Liberty League play on Sept. 22 when they face Clarkson in Potsdam, N.Y., at 2 p.m.