BERLIN -- Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team opens the 2012 season with more questions than answers, although it appears the Mallard should have enough veteran leadership to overcome the early obstacles.

According to Coach Page Watts Rogers, the biggest obstacle facing the team at the start of the new season is the goalkeeper position.

Last year’s starter, Skylar Seigfried, transferred to Decatur in January and the projected backup, last year’s junior varsity goalie, Maddie Pilchard, is lost for the season after shoulder surgery.

Worcester will turn to freshman Carolyn Doorey to hold down the net for the Mallards, and while she lacks varsity experience, Rogers is confident she will be ready for the next level of competition.

“She’s a freshman but she does have goalie experience,” she said. “She has been playing since middle school and plays for the Greene Turtle Club team.”

The goalie situation is just the tip of the iceberg for Worcester and its injury problems.

Three key starters from last year’s team are currently out with injuries with no projected return date. Among the key players dealing with injuries include senior Katelin Talbert (foot), junior Alex Bruder (ankle) and sophomore Kristen Shriver (knee).

Nonetheless, Worcester does have several top returning players at key positions all over the field.

For example, senior Mary Clare Regan returns and is expected to lead the offense up front. Junior Meredith Smith is also being counted on to lead the offense and anchor the midfield position. Also returning is last year’s leading scorer, Lilly DiNardo.

Molly Marshall, whom Rogers called “the glue and leader on our defense,” will be joined by Sarah Arrington, last year’s most improved player, on the back end of the field.

The Mallards hit the field for practice last week and competed in the Bullis Playday last Saturday with some of the top teams in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Worcester opens the season on the road against Delmarva Christian on March 28 and will face Bullis at home on March 30.