A senior-heavy team takes the field for The College of Wooster field hockey team this fall, under the leadership of first-year head coach Leanne Bough. With seniors leading every position group, there is a lot of upward momentum heading into the opener, which takes place on Wednesday, September 2 against Wittenberg University at 7 p.m. at John P. Papp Stadium.

"We are going to be a really gritty team," said Bough, an All-American during her collegiate career at Ohio State University. "Our focus is going to be on strong offense and generating shots on goal. We are going to work on building strong relationships throughout the program. I am focused on being super vocal giving a lot of coaching points, and helping the team learn as much as possible."

Wooster's midfield projects to be a big area of strength, especially in the center. That should bode well for the Fighting Scots to have strong counterattacks and ability to up the pressure a little more defensively. Seniors Audrey McKenna and Melinda Lazenby lead the way among the returnees.

"Audrey is going to be a really strong center midfielder for us this year," shared Bough. "Her ability in practice to generate attacking opportunities has been great. Melinda has been very vocal and controlling on the field and has been really great in practice."

Senior Brooke Benjamin made the transition from goalkeeper to field player two years ago and has "really stepped up as a leader," per Bough.

"Brooke has really been helping her teammates and asking for a lot of feedback for skill development," said Bough. "Brooke is continuing to learn and has a strong defensive and offensive mindset."

Bough is looking for the team "to have an attacking mindset 24-7" and is placing an extra emphasis on "getting shots on goal and having a good quality attack on the field at all times."

Junior Frankie Zehnal has finished in the top two in scoring on the team both years as a Fighting Scot.

"Frankie's hands are really, really quick," said Bough. "Her ability to get a shot on goal has been really great for us in the preseason. We are continuing to refine shot generation and getting shots on goal."

Other keys among the returning forwards include seniors Naledi Jani and Allie Toombs.

"Naledi has been super aggressive on the ball this preseason," summed up Bough. "She's been working really hard on refining her offensive skills. Allie is really hungry to score with some tips and pads. Allie's focus is on refining those skills to help her succeed there."

Defensively, senior Nono Kauffman slides into the starting goalkeeper role following the graduation of Cate Barkdoll, who is assisting the program in a part-time capacity this fall.

"Nono has been absolutely amazing in preseason," said Bough. Nono's aggression in goal has been awesome and clears are very strong. I am very excited for Nono's senior season."

Senior Emily Wachowiak and junior Addison Fletcher anchor the defense. Wachowiak was a mainstay in the starting lineup in her first full season with the program and Fletcher was an impact transfer last fall.

"Emily's focus on her communication and technical skills are going to be really great for us," said Bough. "We are looking for Emily to really lock down the defensive end. Addison is someone we will look to help lead our defensive line and to push the ball up the field in transition."

Rising sophomore Izzie Kline rounds out the returnees and projects to see a larger role this fall."

"Izzie's fitness was really great coming into the preseason," said Bough. "With a few extra things in skill development, Izzie can develop into a very dominant piece of our midfield and forward line this year."

Wooster welcomes six newcomers to the program this year – senior Lauryn Crable, junior Breena Katz, and first-years Evie Heising, Miranda Jones, Isabelle Van Hoof, and Ella Wolfgram Evans.

"Our newcomers are working on a lot of basic skills and refining the principles of being really strong field hockey players," shared Bough. "They have been really receptive to coaching. We have a few who will contribute to our offensive line and a few who will be focused on defensive tactics."

As mentioned, Wooster's season starts with a home game against Wittenberg on September 2, which is the first of nine contests at John P. Papp Stadium. The September 2 game is a non-conference contest, so North Coast Athletic Conference play starts Wednesday, September 16 at Denison University.

"Our schedule is pretty spread out," wrapped up Bough. "That will give us time to reset after each game and analyze the things we can bring to the next game to continue to improve and be competitive. We are going to have to work really hard at practice to show up to each game ready to compete with how competitive the NCAC is."

Bough's staff is rounded out with volunteer assistant Karen Webster.