The 2012 William Smith College field hockey team, ranked 13th in the preseason coaches poll, has a lot of the traits prognosticators look for in projecting success: leadership, a track record of success, experience, and a favorable schedule.

LEADERSHIP

Head Coach Sally Scatton begins her 25th season with the Herons, boasting a 374-117-3 career record. The five-time NFHCA Regional Coach of the Year has guided William Smith to three NCAA Division III National Championships. A member of the NFHCA Hall of Fame, Scatton ranks fifth among active coaches in career wins and sixth in career winning percentage (.760).

TRACK RECORD

William Smith hasn't suffered a losing season since 1983. More recently, the Herons are coming off a 16-5 campaign that saw them finish second in the Liberty League regular season and tournament standings, advance to the NCAA regional semifinal with a 2-0 shutout of Washington & Jefferson, and give eventual national champion TCNJ its toughest test in the postseason.

EXPERIENCE

William Smith returns 10 of its 11 starters—NFHCA third team All-American Kiersten Hamilton was the lone senior on the 2011 squad. Junior forward Taylor Cappello led the 2011 squad in goals (15) and points (33) while senior forward Annie Kietzman was the top playmaker with 11 assists. Senior defender Sara Helmer posted a team-high four defensive saves and the goaltending tandem of senior Taryn Little and sophomore Catherine Hare combined for a 0.98 goals against average, an .803 save percentage, and seven shutouts.

Joining Cappello and Kietzman on the front line will be junior Julia Simmons (2-2-6). Sophomores Stacey Davis and Mollie Kenerson and first-year Erin Miller add depth up top.

Attacking midfielders junior Amy David (3-1-7) and sophomore Caitlin Moran (1-0-2) are penciled into the starting lineup with sophomore Kendra Napierala (1-0-2) and first-year Madison Finn expected to see significant playing time.

Junior backs Morgan Atanasio (1-0-2, 2 DSvs), Margaret McConnell (5-2-12), and Melanie O'Connor (5-6-16) give the Herons a tenacious defensive line. Helmer (1-0-2) and classmate Alyssa David (0-1-1) are a rock solid tandem at stopper back. Sophomore Sarah Tompson (6-1-13) is expected to challenge for a spot on the back line. She was impressive as a rookie as much for her offense as her defense.

Sophomores Kayla Littler, Emma Barnes, and Amanda Rimsa and first-year Juliet Holme add depth to the Heron defense.

SCHEDULE

The veteran lineup will have the luxury of playing 65 percent of its regular season games at home, including a seven-game homestand to open the campaign. William Smith will face five teams ranked in the preseason top 20: No. 5 Messiah, No. 6 Ursinus, No. 8 Skidmore, No. 16 Lebanon Valley, and No. 19 Cortland. The high-powered slate is designed to prepare the Herons for the rigors of NCAA tournament play.

Should the Herons earn the 20th NCAA tournament bid in the program's history, William Smith would have the opportunity to do what no team has done since 1999, win the national championship on its home field. McCooey Field will be the site of the 2012 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship semifinals and title game, Nov. 17 and Nov. 18.

The season begins on Friday, Aug. 31, when the Oswego State Lakers come to Geneva. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.