BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University field hockey hopes to carry over momentum from a strong finish to the 2009 season as the Mountaineers took to the field for the first time to prepare for the fall.

Eleven upperclassmen return from last year's 6-15 squad, including first team all-NorPac selection Nicole Morgan and four-time NorPac Defensive Player of the Week Bridgette Street, who finished second in the nation with 224 saves in '09. The team's six wins last season marked the most since 2004.

Another player poised for a breakout season is sophomoreLisa Charney, who tied Morgan for the team lead in points last season, at 12.

The season opens against Ball State on August 28 in Farmville, Va. The team then faces Siena the following afternoon, also on Longwood's campus. The team then opens its home slate against Towson on September 5 at Kidd Brewer Stadium.