MATTAPOISETT — “Let’s go one seven,” shouted outfielder Alyssa Viera to her team captain Rylee Kouta during the Old Rochester Regional varsity girls’ softball game against Somerset Berkley Regional on Friday, April 21.

Although the Bulldogs lost to the Raiders 14-1, the team kept spirits high by motivating each other on the field.

“I feel like this team has been like a family,” said Viera. “Even when we are down by a lot we are still cheering.”

Despite the team’s consistent rallying, Kouta said she believed that the loss was caused by inconsistent communication. 

“From the time we get on the field until the time we get off we have to be present,” Kouta said.

Head Coach Allison Lima agreed that consistency is key to success.

“Some of [the players] have had so many different coaches in the past that they need consistency and guidance,” she said, explaining that some of the players have played on travel teams.

According to Lima, her strategy to achieve consistent performance is to pay close attention to the fundamentals of the game.

“We lost a lot of girls from last year so this year we are taking it step by step,” she said. She explained that declining participation in the program was due to a lack of interest.

 Lima said that she is focused on rebuilding the team this season.

According to Lima, star players to look out for this season include captains Emily Kilapatrick and Rylee Kouta, as well as returning starting pitcher Madison Mello.

“We have a great core group of girls,” Lima said. “Eventually other girls will see them and want to be a part of it.”