There’s more than one way to built a strong season. and this year the Old Rochester varsity field hockey girls are putting the team first.

“We’re like a new team this year,” said Alexa Francis, a junior. “I honestly think that we’re doing so well as a new team.”

Last year’s seniors were strong forwards, said several of the girls.

“Last year some of the seniors could play by themselves. We lost them, but we got stronger as a team,” said Jessica Kocur, who captains the team with Carly Pelissier and Tori Saltmarsh.

This season, forward and midfielder Ashley Pacheco says the group is much more “tight knit.”

“This year we’re not only bonding on the field but off the field. It almost feels like we’re a family,” she said.

With many change-ups, the team did get a slow start, said Head Coach Polly Lawrence.

And just over the midway mark, she continues to switch up positions. One day a goalie, the next a midfielder.

“I still don’t start a whole group of the same kids all the time,” Lawrence said. “We seem to have a lot of kids with decent skills, so they’re always vying for different positions.”

Lawrence did say that Kocur, a center midfielder, has become a “go-to” girl for the team.

“She’s very consistent,” said Lawrence. “They look for her to stop the ball a lot.”

Last year, the team made it to the state semi-finals, and this year’s team only needs a few more wins to secure a spot. The season record stands at 6-2-2.

The girls said tight and accurate passing has been a strength for them as well as a supportive atmosphere on the field.

“No one screams at each other. That really brings down the morale of the team, then you don’t play as well if you’re upset,” said senior Renae Reints.

The team’s upcoming game with Apponequet Regional High School will be its next big test.

Earlier in the season, the girls were defeated by their rivals 2-1. Since then, they’ve stepped up their defense.

“That was one of our first games, so I think we’ll get them next time,” said Pelissier