With seven seniors leading the way, the 2009 University of Rochester field hockey team is poised for a breakthrough season.

“We have great senior leadership on this team and the seniors want to make their mark and leave a legacy for future generations,” says third-year head coach Wendy Andreatta. “We have so much talent and depth that I am eager to see what unfolds."

In goal, three keepers are vying for time. Senior Danielle Pearson, who played every minute last year (1,411:12), made 107 saves (save pct. of .799), and had a 1.72 goals-against average, is returning. She will compete for time with sophomore Tina Boretsky and freshman Morgan Anastasio.

The defenders have a new face in freshman sweeper Sarah Dixon. “Sarah has excellent poise and makes great decisions on the field," says the coach.

Her linemates will include senior Liz Fletcher, sophomore Darragh Kerr, and sophomore Alexis Vangellow. Four others are in the mix campaigning for time: freshman Alexa Freedman, junior Sara Heidinger, freshman Sharra Brentlinger, and freshman Ali Hamlin.

One key lineup switch comes in midfield where Andreatta has moved sophomore Shayna McKie to the center midfield spot. McKie started on the back line last year and made three defensive saves. “Shayna is a great playmaker and a natural attacker,” says Andreatta.

Senior Christi Bottcher, the top returning scorer, will line up on the right with classmate Amanda Case on the left. Bottcher scored 10 goals and had five assists a year ago. Case had four goals and one assist. “Amanda is the hardest-working player on the field,” says Andreatta.

Senior Tara Gelb will also have a spot in midfield. Freshman Anisha Gundewar will play in midfield or on the forward line.

There's a good amount of experience on the front line and numbers to back it up. Sophomore Allison Beardsley tied Bottcher for goalscoring honors with 10 last season (four were gamewinners). She had two assists and was third overall in scoring with 22 points. Anna Dobrzynski, another soph, had eight goals for 16 points.

Freshman Shelby Hall, senior Valerie Lazickas, junior Kyra Pinsky, and sophomore Melissa Ciurzynski are the others who will look for time up top.

“Our veterans are excited about how well we did last year,” Andreatta says. “We played all close games in the Liberty League, most of them one-goal decisions. We want to take the next step and contend for one of the Liberty playoff berths. This team has the potential to be the top team in the Liberty League.”