After seeing action in every game last year, Miura Wiley returns to lead the front line.

The College of Wooster women's soccer team hopes to find a new identity quickly as they enter the 2019 season.

Owners of a 13-4-3 record in 2018, it was a special season that culminated with the Scots winning their first North Coast Athletic Conference Championship and making their first appearance in the NCAA Championships since 1996.

"It was a team that found its competitive edge and was building toward that season from seasons' before," head coach Geordie Brown said. "They grew as a unit and got to the 2018 season with a core of players who were ready to win and found exciting, different ways to win games."

Brown is hoping the championship experience can be something the team can draw from, but they'll have to do it without some of the core of the 2018 squad.

Two of the top defenders from last year's team are gone including Emma Lawrence who was named All-Region and NCAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Leading scorer Erica White also will be missed after an 18-goal season that earned her All-America honors and NCAC Offensive Player of the Year. She also set the school record for points (41) and goals scored in a single season.

Replicating her offensive production will be a big obstacle to overcome in 2019.

"There's a big burden with saying, 'Give me the ball. I'm going to score,'" Brown said. "We're looking for somebody who wants to be a difference maker and players who are confident in their own abilities."

Underclass players who complimented players like White and Lawrence last year will get a more prominent chance to become breakout stars this year.

"It's an opportunity for players who have been in the program and new players coming in to show that they are ready," Brown said. "We're excited to see some of these players who have been dedicated over the past few years get the chance in more starring roles."

Senior captains Claire Davis and Mackenzie Goltz will lead this year's team as Goltz will anchor the backline, and Davis will control the midfield.

Davis finished with three goals and three assists last year and tied for third on the team in points and assists. She was an All-NCAC Second Team selection and also a selection for the All-NCAC Tournament Team.

Goltz appeared in every game last year and was part of the defense that allowed just 0.76 goals per game and six shutouts.

Speaking of defense, junior goalkeeper Molly Hutter returns after a 2018 campaign that saw her appear in all 20 games and tally a 10-2-2 record. Her .820 save percentage was fourth in the NCAC and her .062 goals against average was second.

Senior Krissy Blanchard and junior Mila Zunich are the team's returning leading scorers after scoring four goals apiece last year. Both were key components off the bench, and Brown expects their numbers to go up with increased playing time.

Returnees who saw action in all 20 games last year also include juniors Miura Wiley, Meghan Badge, Kelsey Stone, seniors Krenare Rakoci, Kelsey Hall and sophomore Maya McDonald. McDonald saw the most field time as a first-year.

Payton Gennett and Sam Draves round out the senior class, while Elena Hart and Brie Jarrell round out the juniors. Holly Thompson, Lillian Miller, Grace von Scheliha, Alexa Bencic and Cammy Bly round out the sophomores.

"The group has been chomping at the bit to get on the field," Brown said. "Players like Claire, McKenzie, Krenare … they have played their part, and now it's time for them to lead the group more and also create the identity of this year's team because it will be a different team.

"They have worked hard in the spring and are growing into a hard-working and functionally strong unit."

Wooster opens the season Aug. 30 at Marietta College and hosts their first home game Sept. 7 versus Mount St. Joseph University. They open conference play Oct. 5 when they host DePauw University and close the regular season away against the 2018 conference regular season champions Denison University on Nov. 2.