After posting a disappointing 3-17 record last year, softball head coach Michael Roderick told his players to hit the road. And they did.

Roderick encouraged the team to participate on travel teams that play year round and lets the girls practice in the offseason.

Ninety percent of the players on Old Rochester Regional High School's softball team took the advice. Roderick expects that effort will show up on the field.

“We’re going to be a tough team for anybody to beat,” he said.

In his second year as head coach, Roderick wants to combat the notion that ORR is an easy win for opposing teams. With only two seniors it’s going to be a challenge, but one the girls are up for.

“We’re building a program here that will last,” he said. “We want to be one of those teams who has a reputation as being good.”

Leading the way is co-captain Kaleigh Goulart. A junior and South Coast Conference All-Star, Goulart will pitch for the team this year. Co-captains Michaela Guard, a first baseman, and Samantha Allaire, a catcher and outfielder, will share leadership duties as well.

Elected by their peers, Roderick said the co-captains lead by example.

“That’s what keeps the team together,” he said.

Right now, the team is off to a slow start. Following a loss to Apponequet on Monday, April 7 the team’s record is 0-3, 0-2 for the conference. The loss was close as Apponequet squeaked by the visiting Lady Bulldogs by one run to win it 4-3.

Roderick said the girls are prepared to give any team a scare.

“There are some strong teams out there. The South Coast Conference has some of the most talented teams in the state,” he said. “But we’re going to be a tough out for anybody.”

The Lady Bulldogs play Wareham on Friday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m. in Wareham. On Monday, April 14 the tam plays Fairhaven at home starting at 3:30 p.m.