The versatility of the Nittany Lions is something that Morett hopes will make this team better than the 10-10 team from last year.

That was Penn State's worst finish ever under Morett.

Last year was a rebuilding process that sometimes crumbled under Penn State's inability to score.

Morett is looking for more composure this time around.

She feels the sharing of positions makes it easier on her team during the game.

"So when things get changed up on the field, there's not the panic to get back to their set positions," Morett said.

"They can interchange and that's an advantage at this level."

One change made by Morett was moving first-team All-Big Ten senior Sarah Cahill from left back to the center back position.

"Sarah's a real feisty player who can really pick up and anticipate a lot of things that happen in the center," Morett said.

Senior Bekah Hostetler and sophomore Kiersten Wood were both moved up into the midfield.

"Those two will be sharing positions, right-mid or center-mid. It just really depends," Morett said. "Those players will be really strong starters and players for us."

Senior Natalie Berrena and junior Annelise Legel's positions are also not clearly defined.

The two will be sharing the forward and midfielder position for the Lions.

Other forwards who will see playing time are redshirt sophomore Shaun Banta and redshirt freshman Britney Long.

"Shaun Banta can definitely find the net," Morett said. "Right now early in the season, we need to do a better job of taking care of getting the ball in scoring position and then scoring."

Two players who are returning to their positions from last year are junior Carey Maser and senior Molly Schriver who will be the left and right backs.

Freshman Jen Long who played on the U.S. Under-21 squad, will also be starting for the Lions.

"She's a very, very poised player," Morett said.

"Having her in the back as a freshman, a lot of coaches might think that is a liability. But for us it's a nice thing."

Senior Megan Akstin will once again play goalkeeper for this Lions team.

Akstin has already earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors in the first week of the season.

Freshman Ali Scola will be getting playing time in the midfield this season and has already scored in competition against Old Dominion.

Another new addition this season will be the new tentatively named Astroturf Field, a field-hockey-only venue that few colleges have.

"Michigan has its own field, but it can't compare to what we have here," Morett said.

With all the changes on this year's team, Morett is excited about the prospects for the rest of the year, mostly about her defense.

"Overall I think we have a much more experience team than last year," Morett said.

"Especially with the way our defense is set up."