The spring sports season has officially kicked off, and with two full weeks of practice, the ORR girls’ tennis team looks strong. But with only six returning players ­– three seniors, one junior, and two sophomores – experience is hard to come by. One characteristic every player shares, whether a veteran or a beginner, is the passion to improve.

The 12 new players are from various grades and experience levels. All are fitting in with the returning team seamlessly.

Freshman Cheyenne Reed said the experienced players are stepping in to help new players adjust. “Everyone is really nice and has been helpful at telling us how to improve,” she said.

After seven players graduated last year, many positions are up for grabs.

“Once we decide who plays doubles, that will influence who plays singles,” Coach Robert Hohne said. “The challenge this year is to incorporate the younger inexperienced players with the experienced players.”

Assistant coach Russell Bailey says of the incoming players, “Everyone’s got potential.”

This year’s team has big shoes to fill.  Last year, the team made it to the Sectional Semifinals of the MIAA Girls Tennis South Division 3 tournament.  In the semifinal round, the Bulldogs lost to the number one seeded team, Cohasset. That team won the entire tournament.

For 10 consecutive years, the South Coast Conference Championship has had ORR’s name on it.  Over the course of the last 10 years, the Lady Bulldogs have earned a 124-2 conference record and accumulated 111 consecutive conference match wins.

The team’s first game is Tuesday, April 1, at Bishop Stang High School. The team’s first home game is Wednesday, April 2, against Dartmouth High School.  Both matches start at 3:30 p.m.