With the loss of All-American Traci Anselmo to graduation, the Penn State field hockey team will look to replace Anselmo with a more balanced approach in both the scoring and leadership departments.

Coach Charlene Morett said she has talked to her team about getting more than two or three players on the field to score.

The Nittany Lions will look to All-American midfielder/back Kiley Kulina, forward Meredith Shulzitski, midfielder/ forward Timarie Legel, midfielder/back Neilye Stoner, All-American back Jill Martz and up-and-coming right wing Cenna Wilkerson for scoring this season. Kulina said Penn State's coaches have emphasized the importance of shooting the ball to the forwards.

Kulina, Shulzitski and Martz will captain the Nittany Lions. Among the three, only Kulina served as a captain last season. Kulina said it is a little strange not having Anselmo as a leader on and off the field.

"All of our seniors have stepped up to take (a leadership) role," she said. "We sometimes call (Anselmo) for advice."

The current Lions will play against Anselmo in what should be a very competitive alumni game Saturday.

"I think it's going to be a blast playing against her," Kulina said. "We're going to be really, really competitive against her just because we all know her."

Emphasis on Defense

Martz will anchor the Lions defense this season, but she will have help from some new faces.

Morett said Kulina might switch to the backfield from her primary position as a midfielder. She said she has confidence in Kulina on defense because she is a "well respected, smart player."

Morett said that due to the strong spring Wilkerson had at right wing, she would also move Neilye Stoner to midfield or defense. Stoner played right wing last season.

Corners

The Lions will continue to try to find a second hitter in addition to Kulina who is effective on corners. Anselmo took many corners for the Lions last season.

A new rule this season requires players to stop the ball outside of the circle and roll it over the line off corners. In the past, players could stop the ball inside the circle off corners. The new regulation could hurt Stoner because Morett had said, "Neilye always finds a way to sneak into the circle to score."

Now Stoner will not be able to elude the defense in the circle and score directly off corners.

Tough Opening on the Road

The Lions start their season away with games at No. 2 North Carolina and at No. 1 Old Dominion.

Last season the Lions played North Carolina in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge and Old Dominion at home.

"It's tough having them on the road," Morett said. However, she added, "I'm always confident when we go to play them."

Morett said that though her team will face top teams early, she emphasizes working to improve in practice and "taking it one day at a time."

Many teams open their regular season this weekend, while the Lions will play an exhibition, their alumni game Saturday. The Lions will be able to use the extra time to prepare for the season.

"We're fortunate not having a game this weekend," Morett said.