The Warwick Vets field hockey team hoped that last year would mark the end of its playoff drought. It didn’t, but with only one senior on the roster, most of the Hurricanes knew they had another year in their back pocket.

As the 2014 season approaches, it’s now or never. Vets has 10 seniors and plenty of depth behind them, and they’re playing in a division that looks as even as it has in years.

It’s time.

“I have a really big group of seniors, and usually when we have a big group of seniors, we’ve done well,” said head coach Jim Areson. “It’s a process for kids. It takes a while. If they decide they’re going to commit, put the effort in and play, we’re going to be a pretty good team. So far, they’re doing that. The seniors are stepping up.”

The ’Canes haven’t made the playoffs since 2007. They had two rough years following that season then had to endure two winless campaigns in Division I thanks to realignment. Back in Division II the last two years, they’ve been consistently competitive but unable to get over the hump. They finished 4-6-3 last year, with close games at every turn, even against D-II finalists Smithfield and La Salle.

With nearly everybody back in the fold, the ’Canes are optimistic that the leap is coming.

“Hopefully, this is the year we’ll get back to the playoffs,” Areson said. “There’s no reason why we shouldn’t.”

The senior class will lead the quest. It’s 10 players deep, and nine of them have seen significant action, many for two years running. They’ll also anchor every area of the field, from defense to the midfield to the front line.

“A lot of the seniors have really looked good,” Areson said. “We have a lot of depth and a lot of experience. Hopefully that will carry over into their play.”

Savannah Hersey heads the list of veterans. The senior is a four-year contributor – and a three-sport athlete – who is the reigning Warwick Beacon field hockey Athlete of the Year. A threat to score, set up her teammates and control possession, Hersey was one of the top players in Division II last season.

“Everything will revolve around Savannah,” Areson said. “Hopefully she’ll play even better than she did last year.”

Seniors Megan Lemay and Lexy Santos-Smith will join Hersey as top offensive options, while Sam Harris and Lauren Vuz should anchor the defense. Senior Naomi Franzen returns for her third season as the starting goalie.

The senior class also includes Emily Furtado, Taylor Axtmann, Leah Morgan and Brittney Lane.

“All the seniors seem to have picked it up in practice,” Areson said. “They’re doing a nice job.”

Optimism doesn’t end with the seniors, either. Sophomore Natasha Savage was a key player as a freshman and will return at a forward spot. Juniors Eunice Tejeda and Arietta Chevian saw a lot of time last year, while sophomores Julia French, Brittney Boyd and Brianna Boyd are ready for bigger roles.

However the lineup shakes out, Areson is confident that the defense will keep Vets in a lot of games, led by Franzen in the cage.

The next step is consistent offense, something’s been missing the last two years.

“Defensively, we were pretty solid,” Areson said. “I think we only gave up 16, 17 goals. If the forwards in general pick it up and put the ball in the back of the net, we should be good.”

The ’Canes will see where that leaves them in a new-look Division II. Finalists La Salle and Smithfield are up to Division I, leaving an open race in their wake.

“The Interscholastic League, in my 20-some years, this is by far the fairest realignment they’ve done,” Areson said. “Division II is wide open. It’s there for the taking, and hopefully the girls understand that.”

Seniors have a way of embracing that kind of opportunity. Areson hopes this group is ready to do just that.

“They’re leaving and hopefully they want to play as long as they can,” he said.

Vets will open the season on Sept. 4 against Chariho.