For three consecutive years, the field hockey team's season ended with a loss in the conference championship game. It's a streak the team's trio of seniors knows all too well.
Led by seniors Margaret Ellis, Bridgette Shamleffer and Caroline Torie, the Tigers have set their sights on a NCAC Tournament title - and the automatic bid to the NCAA Div. III Championship that comes with it.
"It would be a huge step for the program," Torie said. "That [goal] from the seniors will be relayed to all the freshman that this is what we need to do."
With nine starters returning from last season's 16-3 team, the Tigers will again feature a high-powered offense. Ellis, a forward who led the NCAC with 24 goals last year, remains up front with forward Shamleffer as DePauw's primary scoring threats.
Juniors Taylor Helms and Sydney Sprawls are tasked with leading the Tiger defense. Maggie Steele, a sophomore goalkeeper, returns after starting all 19 games in 2011.
DePauw will play an aggressive style offense and defense, meaning head coach Gina Wills will look to take advantage of her team's depth.
"We have a bigger roster this year," Wills said. "Everyone is key, [so] we can stay fresh, and play fast. We are definitely as strong as we were last year. If we can build as a team and focus opponent-by-opponent, then we'll be in that [conference] championship game again."