For the field hockey team, the 2012 season signifies a change in leadership.

Last year, the Owls had a strong core of senior leadership, led by All-American Bridget Settles.

Settles, along with four other seniors, led a young Temple team that saw freshmen such as forward Amber Youtz and goalkeeper Lizzy Millen develop into solid contributors.

Coach Amanda Janney is looking forward to Millen’s continued improvement in front of the goal.

“[Millen] will have a breakout year, she had a great [Atlantic 10 Conference] tournament and played [United States Field Hockey Association] High Performance Squad, which gave her a lot of confidence and playing experience this spring,” Janney said in an email.

Co-Captains, senior Katie Briglia and junior Molly Doyle, will be leading the young Owls’ squad, who has one senior and eight incoming freshmen this year.

Janney said that she is most concerned about losing two strong defensive backs, with both Carissa Young and Becca Keener graduating.

“We lost two starting backs, but [Doyle] has stepped up this spring and took over as center back,” Janney said. “[Junior midfielder] Mandi Shearer also brings back experience as the other starting defender, so our team defense should develop into a consistent force for us.”

But opening the 2012 season with two Atlantic Coast Conference opponents won’t be an easy task for the Owls. The Temple Invitational kicks off their season, featuring games against Virginia and Duke.

Temple ended their 2011 season with loss to Richmond in the A-10 final, and this year they won’t be able to get a rematch until late in the season on Oct. 21.

This season, the Owls are set to face three teams that finished ranked nationally in the Top 10 in 2011, and will have to do it with only one senior.

Here’s a look at the complete schedule for the 2012 field hockey season.

–Colin Tansits