For the 2005 season, the Muhlenberg field hockey team is thinking big by thinking small.

After graduating a stellar senior class of four players, all of whom started at least three years, the Mules will look to contend for the

With six assists in addition to her seven goals, Thomas leads active Muhlenberg players in career points (20).

Centennial Conference playoffs by getting increased contributions from every player on the field.

Muhlenberg finished 9-8 last year, with four one-goal losses to nationally ranked teams, and was in the mix for a CC playoff berth heading into the final week of the season.

The Mules open up the new season by hosting a tournament this weekend, playing solid teams from Virginia Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

“We don’t have one star player, which is nice,” said senior midfielder Steph Light. “Everyone knows their role and does their part. Working together as one unit is going to get us the furthest.”

That includes working in concert to advance the ball up the field. In the past, Muhlenberg relied on big hits, but the team has concentrated on more possession in the preseason.

“All the players are very knowledgeable and have a good understanding of the game and a good view of the field,” noted Light. “I think our passing is going to be very good.”

Light – the only returning field player to start all 17 games last year – has proved to be a good passer throughout her career, recording seven assists, including three in 2004. She is joined in the midfield by senior co-captain Meghan Sandkuhler and sophomore Lauren Rutt.

The targets of the passes from the midfield will be to a group of forwards who will try to combine to make up for the loss of the program’s all-time scoring leader. Seniors Katie Thomas and Adrienne Verbich and junior LisaAnn Polt are tied for the lead among active players with seven career goals apiece. Verbich scored four times last year, including a hat trick in the Mules’ final home game.

Junior co-captain Jessica Hand (two goals) and sophomores Jillian Duffy (three goals) and Kelly Shetron will also see plenty on playing time at forward.

“We really need to step up on offense and get shots on cage and get aggressive with tips,” said Light. “We want to keep the other team’s goalie working and on her toes. It’s such a low-scoring game, every goal counts.”

Muhlenberg will rely on its defense, led by junior goalie Lauren Schram, to keep the games low-scoring. Schram made the All-CC second team last year after compiling a 1.22 goals-against average and recording five shutouts. In front of her, sophomore Nikki Rhoads, who led the team with five defensive saves in 2004, is the lone returning starter. Junior Kate Moyer is expected to claim a starting spot after missing most of last year with an injury.

The Mules open the season with eight non-conference games, including two on a weekend trip to Upstate New York, before beginning their 10-game CC slate at home against McDaniel on Sept. 24.