Myles McGinnis is one of several returning starters on the defensive half.

There's a feeling of stability around The College of Wooster men's lacrosse program entering 2012, following a transition season that included a new coaching staff and replacements for four of its top-five scorers as well as all but one member of the starting defense from the previous era.

Once last year's team grasped the fresh philosophy and schemes, it split the final six games, which included a wild, six-overtime affair with eventual NCAA Tournament participant Ohio Wesleyan University. While still very youthful, note 18 freshmen on the 36-man roster, the Fighting Scots do possess experience at several positions, and thus fully expect a significant improvement in their win-loss record (5-9 in 2011) while competing in the North Coast Athletic Conference, which has been marked by parity recently.

Wooster's strength is expected to be on the defensive end of the field, where the bulk of its veterans are. Seniors Nick Spittle and Myles McGinnis and sophomore goalkeeper Matt Magoon return as starters from a backfield that yielded six goals or less six times as part of a team 8.55 goals against average. Spittle gained honorable mention on the All-NCAC Team as a long-stick midfielder and now looks to anchor the defense.

McGinnis produced a squad-leading 14 caused turnovers during his initial year in the starting lineup and will look to build on that. Two other seniors, Sam Cook, who returns from a knee injury in the 2011 opener, and James DeCrispino, are in contention for the other defender spot as well as junior Andrew Holmes, a starter in seven games last spring, and freshman Sean Hohan.

At goalie, Magoon became the starter halfway through his rookie season and excelled, recording a 6.97 GAA, which ranked 17th in the NCAA Div. III national statistics, and .561 save percentage. The Scots appear to have excellent depth at the position, with sophomore Ethan Flack pushing Magoon for time and two others on the roster.

In addition, Wooster welcomes back senior middie Taylor Takacs and sophomore long-stick midfielder Dean Marchitelli, who will play integral roles again on the defense and in the transition game. Freshmen John Michael Bogusz and Robert Friedhoff could be factors at those respective positions, too.

"The defense has (high) expectations," said second-year head coach Carl Festa. "They understand that … some games they're going to have to take the bulk of the pressure (off the offense)."

Only two of the Scots' six double-digit scorers from a year ago return, so they're still inexperienced on the offensive half. With another season in the system for veterans and the infusion of new talent, though, Festa firmly believes Wooster will improve upon its 5.9 goals per game.

Bringing the most experience to the attack is junior Matt Ranck, who scored 10 goals and assisted on two as a starter last spring, and Steve Crozier also enters his third year, having tallied eight points. The remainder of the line could be made up of first-years, as Tom Herold, Pat Henderson, Jack Brown, Liam Coll, and Jesse Fernandez all have the chance at regular playing time.

While the Scots' group of offensive-oriented midfielders will also consist primarily of young players, junior Patrick Schlick is the squad's top returning scorer after registering 14 points coming on 10 goals and four assists, and should continue to improve. Festa thinks senior Eric Johnson, who has totaled 13 career points, could be in for a breakout year, while sophomores Jake Bernard and Logan Fitch also could run with one of the top lines.

Mike Perrino has the potential to make a significant impact as an offensive middie, and fellow newcomers Evan Albertson, PJ Dallman, Mike Ewanechko, Will Ossyra, Max Werman, and Max Rubin will be contributors there as well, as Festa successfully met his goal of bringing in athletic midfielders who can play both ways. Noteworthy, Rubin will take the majority of face-offs, an area Wooster excelled at last season, ranking 59th in Div. III with a .544 win percentage.

Festa is excited for the promising season to get underway, but wants the team to stay humble and hungry, and let their on-field performance speak for itself.

"Our goal for this year is to further the work that we have put in thus far and to continue to get better each day. As always, we will put forth our best efforts to strive for academic excellence and community involvement. Our expectations remain high and we look forward to the challenges ahead."