BY DAVE CHOATE

For a volleyball program being built from the ground up, the numbers on the scoreboard are much less important than the ages of the players.

“We’re basically all freshmen, and they’re basically juniors and seniors,” said Bedford varsity coach Emma Carole. “The girls are working really hard and trying really hard, so how can I be disappointed?”

Bedford was beaten in three straight games by John Stark on Sept. 19 by scores of 25-16, 25-7 and 25-20. The loss dropped the inexperienced squad’s record to 0-6.

The Lady Bulldogs kept it close in the first game before falling victim to a long scoring streak from the Lady Generals.

Bedford never really mounted a serious challenge in the second game, but the team made things interesting in the last game with a series of furious rallies that were doomed by mistakes. A number of hits from John Stark were misjudged and dropped in for points.

Despite the loss and the record, Carole said she’s already seen the team’s progress.

“Wait and see us next year. Our mistakes right now are completely mental mistakes, and eventually everything’s going to click,” she said.

Bedford also lost in straight sets to Souhegan High School of Amherst at home on Sept. 20.

The Lady Bulldogs visit 0-8 Kennett on Friday, Sept. 28, searching for their first victory.