ANNVILLE, Pa. - Coming off a playoff appearance in just their second year of play, Lebanon Valley College women's lacrosse has plenty to look forward to in 2012.

Head Coach Brianne Tierney and new assistant coach Erin Zimmer welcome seven newcomers to a roster that brings back 10 starters overall, including its leading scorer.

The Flying Dutchmen (8-8, 7-5 MAC in 2011) advanced to the Middle Atlantic Conferece playoffs in just their second season of play last year, surprising opponents with 12.6 goals per game. LVC opens its season Saturday at home against Goucher at 1 p.m., with live stats available on GoDutchmen.com.

On attack, LVC brings back two-year starter Allison McGinniss and sophomore Christy Wilson. McGinniss was third on the team with 19 goals and 11 assists last year, while Wilson started as a freshman and scored 12 goals. LVC adds senior Anna Pollitt and freshman Jenny Simensky up front.

Midfield was a strength last year and will continue to be in 2012, led by leading scorer Hana Krechel. Krechel earned first-team all-MAC and second-team all-America honors with 71 goals and 25 assists last season, and also led the team with 46 ground balls and 74 draw controls. Starters Suzanne Sullivan (13 g) and Taylor Kruter (11 g, 10 a, 37 DC) are also back, along with Mel Modrick (2 g, 2 a), Jen Strack, and freshman Bailey Benz.

LVC has added four freshmen on defense, but will be led by returning starters Chloe Gunther, Kristen Rooney and Sara Vanderbogart. Gunther started all 16 games last year and caused 13 turnovers, while Rooney tracked down 32 ground balls in 13 starts last year. Vanderbogart started as a freshman with 35 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers. Freshmen Anna Pagels, Sammie Reed, Morgan Heller, and Carolyn Shervin join the squad.

In goal, it's returners Erica Ameigh and Corinne Palombo who are back after splitting time last year. Palombo started 10 games and had a .444 save percentage and 5-6 record; Ameigh went 3-2 with a .410 save percentage.

One significant change for LVC this season is their conference; the former Middle Atlantic Conference has been split into the Commonwealth and Freedom conferences for lacrosse in 2012, in line with other sports such as basketball and soccer. The playoff format will be a four-team semifinal and final tournament, with the winner receiving an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Tournament. LVC will be in a group with Widener, Elizabethtown, Messiah, Lycoming, Alvernia, and new program Albright, with the remaining MAC schools going over to the Freedom Conference.