Everything is still in the process of molding together for The College of Wooster field hockey team, yet there is plenty to be excited about for the Fighting Scots, who are looking to move the program forward under the direction of veteran NCAA Div. III head coach Jomara Coghlan, who took over the College's program in early August.

"The team has been here just over a week, so it is too early to pinpoint anything," shared Coghlan. "There is definitely a lot of talent and the team is working extremely hard. Our team is very excited to improve the program and take the next step. The drive is definitely there. We are going to see improvement from last year for sure. The team members are pushing each other, pushing themselves, asking questions every day, and at every practice. They want to get better and it shows."

Wooster's defense projects to be its strength, as the Scots allowed just a touch over two goals per game a season ago. Most of the team's primary contributors from that end of play are back this year, although, positions could shift, per Coghlan, as the Scots' coach is still evaluating where to play everyone to give the program the best chance to succeed.

"We have a strong defense because there are a lot of upperclass players coming back on that end," explained Coghlan. I'm definitely going to look to them to lead the way."

Senior Lucy Agurkis, an all-conference back, leads the way among the returnees, while juniors Maddie Peek and Olivia Nengel started last year in defensive-minded midfield roles. Senior Clare Leithauser split time as a starter, and has a relentless motor, which should bode well as she projects to move into a full-time starting role.

Behind the defense are four goalkeepers, who are "battling it out" for the starting role. Senior Zoë Semersky was Wooster's starter last year, while classmate Lucy Segal is another veteran in the program. First-years Hannah Baldwin and Cate Barkdoll, all-state honorees in high school, are among the newcomers to the program.

"It is nice to have four goalkeepers because they all bring something to the table," said Coghlan. "They push each other, step up individually, and step up as a group. We are very blessed to have four very strong 'keepers."

Peek projects "to be a big part of the midfield," per Coghlan, who noted she "has been moving some people around to different positions," resulting in the overall unit "not set in stone." Junior Delaney Gross is the other returner with significant midfield experience.

Wooster could "possibly have a younger group," at forward, according to Coghlan, who has been "trying different things at practice" to fine tune the unit. Junior Ciara O'Connor is the top returning scorer from a year ago with five goals, while sophomore Ashley Reynolds contributed in the rotation and scored her first collegiate goal late in the year.

Wooster's roster is rounded out by senior Jill Murray, who is out for the year due to injury, and first-years Joey Beckerman, Ava Gooding, Mary Johnson, Natalie Katzenmeyer, Coco Rodríguez, and Reece Tomechak.

"The first-years are integrating really well," said Coghlan. "They are definitely following the lead of the upperclass players. I think they are going to be a great addition to the program, and will definitely help us move the bar forward."

Wooster hosts Centre College in its season opener on Sunday, September 4 at noon. North Coast Athletic Conference play starts at Wittenberg University at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 30.