POTSDAM -- Under the direction of first-year head coach Mark Misiak, the 2011 SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team will feature a change in philosophy.

A team that was known for a defensive style of game will now transition to an offensive, risk-taking mentality.

Along with the new approach, Misiak has laid out a set of goals for the team. He wants to improve the conference record, which stood at 1-8 in 2010, and make the SUNYAC playoffs.

"From what I've seen, I fully expect us to be in the hunt come late October," said the former Bears men's assistant. In order to reach those goals, Potsdam will rely on a solid combination of newcomers and returnees from a team that went 10-10 last season.

Forwards Ashley Thayer (Winthrop N.Y./St. Lawrence), and Heather Johnson (Heuvelton, N.Y./Heuvelton) return and bring goal-scoring experience to the position.

"They have great pace and opposing teams will have difficulty dealing with them," said the Potsdam head coach.

The two combined for 14 goals and 32 points in 2010. Thayer was particularly efficient, scoring her eight goals on only 19 shots in her freshman season. Johnson, a junior, was clutch last season, scoring two game-winning goals. Junior transfer Stephanie Cox (Parishville, N.Y./Parishville-Hopkinton) will join the rotation and is expected to have a big role in the attack. Freshman Taylor Coupe (East Islip, N.Y./St. Anthony's) will provide the offense with more depth.

Senior midfielders Taylor Jordan (Canton, N.Y./Hugh C. Williams) and Emily Doyle (Saranac Lake, N.Y. / Saranac Lake) have impressed Coach Misiak with their technical ability and work ethic. Senior Dedra Palmer (Whitesboro, N.Y./Whitesboro) also brings three years of starting experience to the position.

Joining them are talented freshman Kate Clauss (Bloomfield, N.Y./Bloomfield) and Kristin Webster (Schenectady, N.Y./Schalmont), whom Coach Misiak is expecting to have an immediate impact.

On defense, the coaching staff will rely on the experience of captains Alissa Tischler (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam) and Maggie Malinowski (Livonia, N.Y./Livonia) along with fellow senior Maribeth Simmons (Clinton, Conn./The Morgan School). The three have combined to start 122 games throughout their careers.

"They are great defenders and can also be attacking threats. I feel very confident in their capabilities," said Misiak.

The Bears have a solid group of freshman ready to step up when needed. McKaylah Philo (Northville, N.Y./Northville) and Allison Cleaver (Watertown, N.Y./Watertown) are versatile and can be counted on to contribute. Fellow freshman Tannicia Joseph (Center Moriches, N.Y./Center Moriches) will also be in the mix.

Senior Deanna Romanowski (Remsen, N.Y./Remsen) returns to the lineup for the first time since her freshman season. Sophomores Francesca Centofanti (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam), Brittany Martin (Canton, N.Y./Hugh C. Williams), and Jackie Miller (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam) will also fight for time.

The Bears won't have a lot of experience in goal, but will have a lot of talent. Freshmen Katrina Rowland (Churchville, N.Y./Churchville-Chili) and Erika Hoad (Watkins Glen, N.Y./Watkins Glen) bring a solid skill set to the position.

"Katrina is the best keeper I've had the pleasure of working with," stated Misiak. "Her ability makes our team play so much different. With her in goal we can be very confident."

Chemistry will be a key component to the Bears' success in 2011 and it will start with the veterans.

"We have a great senior core that wants to make this year special," Misiak added. "My hope is that they set the tone for the younger players and begin to start a brand of success at Potsdam."

Potsdam's season begins Sept. 1, at Wells College. Along with the usual grueling conference schedule, the Bears will host SUNY Canton for the second annual Boyd Jones Cup, as well as local rivals Clarkson and St. Lawrence.