For the first time since the 2004 season, the William Smith College field hockey team will start its season away from the friendly confines of McCooey Field. The 18th-ranked Herons will begin their 2015 campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Oswego State. The match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
 
William Smith is coming off an 11-8 season that saw them finish second in the Liberty League. The Herons will be led by Head Coach Sally Scatton, who returns to the sideline for her 28th season. William Smith returns 17 players from last year's team and looks to rely on its experience and depth this season.
 
"We are a more experienced team this season," Scatton said. "In returning eight of our 11 starters, I think that we can use our depth to build off of last year's momentum. The seven new players complement our 17 returning players and will help contribute to the team goals right from Day 1."
 
At forward, the Herons will pack a strong one-two punch. William Smith returns the past two Liberty League Rookies of the Year, junior Alessandra Patrizio (2013) and sophomore Hannah Wood (2014). Wood added ECAC Mid-Atlantic Rookie of the Year honors last season, breaking a William Smith rookie scoring records with 22 goals and 49 points, leading the team in both categories. Patrizio finished second on the team with 16 points (5g, 6a).  
 
Junior Cydney Conley returns to the lineup after missing last season due to an injury. She will slot in at forward looking to provide support for Patrizio and Wood along the front line. Junior Lindsay Brandt moves up to attack after spending the last two seasons on defense to bolster the Herons, attacking rotation. Sophomores Katie Battaglia and Leigh Blackiston and first-year Fallon Adair add depth to the forward position for William Smith.
 
In the midfield, the Herons have the challenging task of replacing two-time All-Liberty League second team member, Caitlin Moran. Moran was a key cog in the midfield for four seasons, playing 76 games in a William Smith uniform. She finished her career with six goals and nine assists for 21 points.

Despite the loss of Moran, the midfield will be a deep position for the Herons. Sophomore Alexandra Frary will play a critical role in the center of the field. Frary completed a stellar rookie season with eight points (2g, 4a). Her strong presence on the field earned her a spot on the All-Liberty League first team and the NFHCA All-North Atlantic second team. Juniors Jessica Borbee and Austen Gillen-Keeney (1-0-2) will also play a major part in the midfield rotation. Borbee recorded five defensive saves last season to lead the team in that category. First-years Jane Blumin, Caroline Mackin, and Meagan McDonald will all compete for playing time in the midfield this fall.

Senior Madison Finn leads a defense that remains intact from a season ago. She recorded three goals and two assists for eight points last year. On the defensive end of the field, Finn recorded two defensive saves. A starter in 16 games, sophomore Maura Moran returns on defense after collecting 11 points (4g, 3a) a year ago. Her play in the conference tournament earned her a spot on the Liberty League All-Tournament Team. Juniors Emily Granger, Caroline Fout, and Lauren Stevenson will look to add experience to a strong defensive rotation. First-years Alanna Fitzgerald, Samantha Cascardo, and Samantha Petruzzo add depth on the back line for the Herons.

In goal, Catherine Hare completed her career ranked in the top 10 in school history in wins (29). She also finished 11th in shutouts (7) and 12th in saves (207). Hare started all 19 games last season, recording a 1.91 goals against average and a .762 save percentage.

William Smith will turn to juniors Biz Chirco and Amy Feda and sophomore Emily King to replace Hare. Chirco returns to the cage after spending her sophomore season as a forward. As a first-year, she posted a 1.50 goals against average and a .650 save percentage in eight games in net. Feda played sparingly last season seeing action in three games as Hare's backup. In 21 career games Feda owns a 1.96 goals against average and a .674 save percentage. All three goalies played well in camp and will look for playing time this fall.

As always, expectations are high for the Herons as they begin the 2015 season. William Smith will look to return to the NCAA tournament for the 22nd time after missing out last year.

The Herons face a challenging non-conference schedule to go along with the always difficult Liberty League slate. This season William Smith faces four teams ranked or receiving votes in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association preseason poll. After opening on the road, the Herons will play their next six games on McCooey Field. William Smith begins its homestand against No. 7 Ursinus on Sept. 5. New Paltz, which is receiving votes and a new addition to the Herons' schedule, comes to Geneva on Oct. 10. A trip to conference rival No. 5 Skidmore on Oct. 25 and No. 13 Messiah on Halloween close out the regular season for William Smith. The Herons will begin the Liberty League portion of their schedule against Rensselaer on Sept. 26.