Senior Laura Roney took a pass from teammate Sam Helmstetter, eyed her target, picked her spot, and nestled the ball in the back of the net to open the scoring for the Cougars on Saturday’s homecoming game against FDU-Florham.

The midfielder/forward has gotten off to a stellar start in the 2012 season, already tallying seven goals and five assists while helping to lead the Cougars to an 8-1-1 record, and earn a #14 ranking in the country.

“Personally, I’ve gotten off to a good start this season because as a team we’re just dominating,” Roney said. “My teammates are playing great balls through, and all I have to do is finish them off.”

Voted the team’s Most Valuable Player last season, Roney brings a unique set of playmaking abilities that combines power and finesse with the talent to score as well as set up teammates.

“I like the ball at my feet to take on defenders,” Roney said. “But I’ll use my speed to run off people and look for the through ball, too.”

The left-footer is currently leading the team in points this season, and came into the year ninth on the all-time list with 64. She is tied for third in all-time assists with 27.

One of four captains, Roney’s experience is something that will be key for the Cougars over the course of the season.

“As a captain, I just try my best to keep everyone together and lead by example,” Roney said. “I’ve been here and remember when we weren’t good and have seen us improve all the way to being ranked. So I just keep reminding the girls to play with confidence. It’s no fluke, we got ourselves here.”

Following an NCAA tournament victory in the first round last year, Roney’s team goals have remained the same since day one.

“We want to take the MAC Championship first, and then make a deep run in NCAA’s,” Roney said. “We fully expect to make it to Texas and the Final Four. We came into the season knowing we were going to be good. We have what it takes.”

Roney will need to keep up her high level of play in order to reach those goals in her final campaign with the Blue and Gold.

“I just want to play my best because it’s my senior year,” Roney said. “Just play every game like it’s my last.”