Steve Houle and his Lady Blue Knights aren’t happy with last year’s playoff result, and they plan on spending this entire season rectifying it.

After a fine 2007, West tennis fell in the Class L semifinals to city rival and eventual state champ Central.

Now, Houle said the pieces are in place to sweeten last season’s sour ending.

“We are disappointed with last year’s loss, and we give Central credit for putting it together at the right time and earning a well-deserved title, but we’re back to challenge again this year,” said Houle. “People thought we were going to hide our heads in the sand after losing four of six (of last year’s lineup), but having girls with experience stepping up makes us pretty strong again this year, and we’re only going to get better as the year goes on.”

Senior captains Sam Jean and Liz Mahler, both of Bedford, lead the Blue Knights.

“They really serve as inspiration for where the team has gone so far this year and where the team will go,” said Houle. “They’re truly senior leaders on this team.”

Christina Donegan, another Bedford senior, and juniors Mallika Prabharkar and Nicole Byer – West’s No. 3, 4 and 6 singles players – join Krysten Smith to complete the lineup.

“They had the opportunity to play somewhat in the past, and this is the first year they’ve gotten the chance to play on a regular basis,” said the coach.

“They were anxious to play and contribute, and I think they bring a lot more experience than most teams might expect them to bring as first-year players in the regular lineup.”

Jean and Mahler make up West’s No. 1 doubles tandem, Donegan and Prabharkar play as the No. 2 unit, and Byer and Smith compete as the No. 3 team.

Erica Buciak, the team’s current No. 7, has impressed her coach and may see more opportunities as the season progresses. With the exception of a 6- 3 setback to Concord, the Blue Knights have thumped everyone in their way.

So far, they beat Salem and Nashua South, 7-2; Winnacunnet, 8-1; and Trinity and Dover, 9-0.