“Defense, defense defense” screamed the crowd during the non-conference game of the Old Rochester Regional Bulldogs against the Falmouth Clippers on Wednesday, Jan. 4. 

Tensions were high as sophomore Caroline Brogioli scored from the free-throw line during the fourth period, tying the score 30-30. 

“It was an aggressive game,” said shooting guard Zoe Plante, 16. “We stayed in it the whole time.”

The Bulldogs were quick to share the ball on offense, a pass from Emma Johnson to Carly Mello resulted in a basket, bringing the score to 31-30. 

“We focus on our team motto ‘we not me,’” said Plante. “We always try to stay together as a team.” 

The Clippers caught up bringing the score to 31-33, with two foul shots bringing them to victory with a score of 35-31. 

“It was a great game against two teams who fought hard all night,” said Girls Basketball Coach Rick Regan. “Our girls were terrific on the defense end.”

With over 20 years of coaching experience, the Old Rochester Bulldogs are the first varsity he has instructed.

“We’ve improved from the beginning of the season already,” said Regan.

According to Plante, this is the year of “rebuilding” for the varsity girls basketball team due to senior team members graduating.

“This year we are a young team, we have no seniors,” Regan said. “The lack of upperclassmen has not hurt us because we have a surplus of individuals that care about improving themselves and improving the team.”

Shooting guard Emmerson Gonnet, 16, said that the young team creates a supportive environment to learn.

“I think our team’s greatest strength is our chemistry,” said Gonnet. She explained that the team’s chemistry shines while communicating on defense and transitioning to offense.

“We can stop the ball and make sure that no one can get through the gaps [on defense],” said forward Emma Johnson, 14. “We always have our teammates’ backs.”

According to Regan, the team’s approach to the game is powered by focus and determination. 

“You have to work to the best of your ability,” he explained. “If not, not only are you cheating yourself but also your teammates.”

The Bulldogs came back from their loss against the Clippers during their game against the Seekonk Warriors on Friday, Jan. 6, with a score of 59-36. 

“We are motivated, we want to get more wins,” said Gonnett.

The Bulldogs lost 38-51 to Somerset Berkeley on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The team’s next game is on Friday, Jan. 13, against the Apponequet Regional Lakers.