For Heather Serverson, guiding her Princeton High field hockey team through the preseason has been akin to working on a jigsaw puzzle.

“We have some seasoned players so it really is just a matter of figuring out how we can function best as a team,” said Serverson, who guided PHS to a 13-6-2 record in 2015 and the semifinals of both the Mercer County Tournament and the North 2 Group 4 sectional.

“We have the experience under our belts; we still haven’t quite figured out how we work best together yet.”

As a result, Serverson has been using scrimmages to mix and match the pieces at her disposal.

“Everyone has been getting playing time so far,” said Serverson, whose team gets its 2016 campaign underway by hosting Ewing on September 8.

“We have had some good depth off the bench and I hope that continues as the teams we play improve. We are finding our way.”

The Little Tigers boast good depth at forward starting with senior star Avery Peterson, one of the top scorers in the area last fall. Joining Peterson up front will be sophomore Marina Lopez-Ona, senior Kennedy Corrado, junior Lisette Dubow, and sophomore Chloe Koehler.

“Avery had a great junior year so I only expect things to go up; she has been looking good,” said Serverson.

“There is Mariana up top. Kennedy has been playing well for us so far. Lisette is returning and Chloe will also play there.”

Two senior standouts, Jordyn Cane and Georgia McLean will be leading the way in the midfield, with senior Anna Cincotta, junior Margaret Jacobs, sophomore Renee Hoevers, and senior Gwen Koehler providing support.

“We have Jordyn and Georgia, who obviously have a lot of experience between the two of them,” said Serverson.

Jordyn plays at a high mid, which is like a forward. Anna was improving last year and I can see her getting a lot of playing time. We have Margaret returning and then Renee who will probably be playing midfield. Gwen will be playing in the midfield and maybe some at forward.”

On defense, PHS features a quartet of battle-tested performers in seniors Jamaica Ponder, Lilly Leonard, Kate Wenzler, and Maddie Deutsch.

“Jamaica and Lilly would be the two most experienced defenders that we have,” said Serverson

“We are looking at the two of them to be the anchors back there. Kate is returning as well and Maddie will be there too.”

Junior goalie Kate Rogers has emerged as an anchor for PHS. “Kate is our steady Eddie; I have never seen a goalie have the composure that she has,” asserted Serverson.

“She has had it since she was a freshman. The composure is what sets her apart, in my view.”

Serverson believes that her squad can make steady progress and once again contend for titles.

“I think it is a matter of putting good players in the places where they play best together and from there, trying to mix the newcomers in and see what they have to contribute,” said Serverson.

“And hopefully in the process make a team full of competitors that are ready in the postseason to show people what they are really capable of.”