The only thing they have lacked in the past is confidence.

For the past few seasons, the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team did not believe in its abilities, which resulted in only seven wins in the last two years. With a new practice arena, 11 of 12 starters returning, a fresh batch of talent in this year’s recruiting class and a new sense of confidence, this year could be one of the best in program history.

‘This is far and away the most productive preseason we’ve ever had in my three seasons here,’ said third-year head coach Emily Edmonston. ‘Our program is still young, but the tools are in place to succeed.’

The balanced veteran duo of seniors Heather Grose and Danielle Edwards will lead the Bearcat attack, returning as last year’s top scorers. The team returns six of its top seven scorers and 85 percent of its scoring from a season ago.

Binghamton opened the season with a loss at Sacred Heart University last weekend and, despite being unable to return home with the victory, showed signs of just how willing they are to fight, losing by a lone goal. The 10-9 loss was tough to swallow after a strong second half comeback, but served as a good measure of the team’s composure this season and a sign of better things to come.

The Bearcats continue their 17-game season with three more games on the road. They start with a season-long four-game road trip, which includes the loss in Connecticut last weekend and is marked by a trip up north to face nationally ranked Syracuse on March 6.

The Bearcats finally return home on March 16, when St. Francis (N.Y.) pays a visit to Vestal at the East Gym. Conference opponents Albany, Vermont and New Hampshire will also play Binghamton in Vestal.

Following a successful off-season, the Bearcats have picked up notable freshman talent.

‘We have seven freshmen who have brought a lot to the competitive value of the program,’ Edmonston said. ‘We only lost one senior ‘ who was a very good player ‘ but we return everyone else. The talent level has definitely improved.’

Edmonston also had some words about her team’s mentality on their abilities and possibilities.

‘The key for us is keeping a consistent mentality,’ Edmonston said. ‘We have the ability, and the opportunity is there if we continue to believe in ourselves and really want it.’

The team’s acquisitions, combined with a new sense of consistency, may bring some confidence yet.