First year head coach, Meir Lewin quickly set out to replenish the roster soon after being hired in May. His team will look vastly different than the teams that reached back-to-back NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances and finished 14-2 and runners-up in the Mountain East Conference regular season a year ago.
 
This year's squad was selected to finish third in the MEC by a vote of the league's coaches. The MEC Regular Season and Tournament Champions, the University of Charleston were selected as the league's top team. Notre Dame, who picked of D&E last season in the MEC Tournament in penalty kicks was selected second.
 
Leadership and strong play from returners Dominique Castano, Mattia Bui, and Thomas Salvan has struck Lewin so far this preseason. "I've been really impressed with Dominique so far," shared Lewin. "He plays the game the right way, always bringing a lot of energy and enthusiasm alongside his great technical ability. My expectation is that he will provide leadership and confidence in any position he plays. Mattia and Thomas have been strong as well. Both are talented defenders who are capable of being highly successful college players. It isn't easy going into a season with a new coach and so many new players, but these guys have kept us steady and offer experience. They understand the demands of this level and are helping immensely in the development of a new squad."
 
With such a broad incoming class of freshmen and transfers, it is difficult to know who will step into starting roles and provide sustained leadership. Lewin feels, however that from back-to-front his squad has quality in every position.
 
Transfers Daniel Franceschetti and Shemar Daley are two newcomers that could provide a big impact. "Daniel had a tough few seasons after being injured but is a quality defender," said Lewin. "And, Shemar looks like he'll be a dynamic threat and has exciting technical and athletic ability."
 
Coach Lewin will draw from a talented and deep group of players that is training hard to prepare for the season. "Preseason has been really enjoyable from a coaching perspective because the group comes prepared to sacrifice and work hard each day and each session," he shared. "These behaviors and attitudes bode well for the season and for the future of the program."
 
Lewin knows he can't lean on the successes of the past and that he is building the squad from the ground up in his own style. Identifying what the team's identity will be on the field and as winners is one of the biggest challenges.
 
"I'm looking forward to that moment where we go from a team that is building an identity to a cohesive unit," said Lewin. "I want our guys to anticipate each other's actions rather than react to each other on the field. We're still learning each other's tendencies and it takes time for things to come together. I know we will get there. But in the meantime, I'm going to personally make an effort to enjoy each step of the process."
 
The Senators open the season at home on September 2nd against the MEC's preseason #7 pick West Liberty. Game time is slated for 7pm.