Coming off a disappointing season last year, the women’s lacrosse team was bolstered with a talented group of newcomers.

Now in their fifth season as a Division I program, the Bearcats will look to compete for one of the top four spots in the America East Conference.

“With the exception of BU and New Hampshire, all the schools are pretty tight and we expect close games,” said head coach Emily Edmonston. “Every game is pretty tough. We’re still growing as a team.”

The Boston Terriers are currently ranked third in the nation, according to Lacrosse Magazine’s preseason poll, and return nine starters from a team that reached the NCAA quarterfinals last season. The New Hampshire Wildcats have proven to be a consistent dominating force in the America East and have reached the conference title game each of the past four years.

With the exception of those two teams, the talent level in the conference seems pretty even. Also, UMBC, Stony Brook and Albany each underwent coaching changes during the offseason.

“Besides BU and UNH, it’s anybody’s game depending on the day and injuries,” Edmonston said.

Despite the parity, Edmonston still faces the tough task of getting Binghamton to the playoffs in her second season at the helm, as only one senior returns from last year’s squad. But the Bearcats will be led by a strong junior class and have nine returning starters from a team that finished 3-12 overall in 2005.

The Bearcats’ biggest concern will be replacing graduated goalie Christa Quon (now their assistant coach), who compiled a .479 save percentage last season while giving her team a chance to win many games.

Sophomore Sandra Alvarez and freshman Carolyn Cuneo are expected to split time in goal this season. Alvarez is a walk-on from the women’s club lacrosse team, who has quicker hands and more experience, but Cuneo has been ranked as high as 12th in the state among goalies.

“Both have positive attributes, but Sandra will play a bigger role,” Edmonston said.

Another challenge the Bearcats face this season will be avoiding serious injuries. Edmonston said that they have a smaller squad than most of the other America East teams, with only 19 players on the roster.

The freshmen on the team will have an opportunity to play a lot this season, and Edmonston expects a lot out of them. Seven players were recruited for this season, and they are expected to “jump in with the older girls right off the bat.”

The Bearcats’ young squad will begin its quest for a successful season at Bucknell today at 4 p.m. Edmonston is excited to kick off the season and expects a lot of close games this year.

“This group of kids is a very dedicated core; they are wicked committed,” she said.