William Smith College begins the 2014 season ranked No. 9 in nation according to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association preseason poll. The Herons open their season on Friday, Aug. 30 when the Oswego State Lakers visit McCooey Field for a 6 p.m. match.
 
The Herons are coming off a 15-5 campaign that saw them finish second in the Liberty League and earn the program's 21st NCAA tournament bid. Head coach Sally Scatton (408-126-3) returns to the sidelines for her 27th season. Last season, Scatton became just the 14th collegiate coach to reach the 400-win plateau and just the sixth in Division III history.
 
On offense, William Smith will have the tough task of replacing its top two scorers from a year ago, second team All-American Taylor Cappello (15-8-38) and Julia Simons (11-1-23). Capello finished her career fifth in goals (52), sixth in points (119), and sixth in game-winning goals (9).
 
William Smith returns the 2013 Liberty League Rookie of the Year on offense. Sophomore Alessandra Patrizio (9-3-21) finished tied for fourth on the team in scoring last fall. Junior Cory Connolly (6-4-16) and sophomore Katie Meyer (2-0-4) also return to help bolster the Heron attack. Adding to that mix, Biz Chirco will move from the goal to forward and compete with three first-years for playing time up top.
 
In the midfield, the Herons will lean on the experience and dependable play of senior Caitlin Moran. She will look to build off a solid junior season that saw her score three goals and assist on three more on her way to second team All-Liberty League recognition. Junior Erin Miller (0-1-1) and sophomore Austen Gillen-Keeney (1-0-2) will also be a major part of the midfield rotation.
 
The Herons take a hit on the defensive end of the field with the graduation of the past two Liberty League Defensive Players of Year, Margaret McConnell (2013) and Melanie O'Connor (2012).
 
William Smith will look to its defensive depth to replace the pair as they aim to repeat last year's strong defensive showing. Junior Madison Finn will lead a defense that ranked second in the league in fewest goals allowed (35) and goals against average (1.74) a season ago. She will be joined on the back line by sophomores Lauren Stevenson, who started 18 games last season, Lindsay Brandt, Caroline Fout, Emily Granger, and Jessica Borbee.
 
In goal, the Herons return two strong veterans in senior Catherine Hare and sophomore Amy Feda.  Hare posted a 14-2 record in 2012 with a 1.35 GAA and a .741 save percentage. Feda went 11-5 last season with a 1.83 GAA and a .692 save percentage.

William Smith is excited about the addition of eight talented first-years that will compete with and push the veteran group of returning players. 
 
Expectations remain high this season for the Herons as they hope to be playing at the highest level when competition matters the most toward the end of the season.  This year's seniors are looking to make their fourth straight trip to the NCAA tournament as they have compiled a 47-14 record in their time on campus.
 
William Smith faces a challenging schedule that features four teams ranked in the preseason top 20, plus an additional school that received votes.  The Herons will travel to No. 13 Ursinus on Sept. 6.  William Smith will begin Liberty League play at home this year against No. 6 Skidmore on Sept. 26 and will close out its conference slate on Oct. 17 against Rochester, which is receiving votes.  On Oct. 25, the Herons will travel to No. 18 Cortland before closing out the regular season a week later at home against No. 12 Messiah on Nov. 1.