Last year, Bedford High School field hockey players waited anxiously, hoping to celebrate the first goal in the program’s history.

Having accomplished that goal, the Bulldogs are hoping to add another first this season. Jill Corson, Bedford’s head coach, hopes her players will be able to build on their experience from last year’s winless season and earn the first victory as a team.

“Getting that win is going to be so exciting. I remember when we scored our first goal, everyone was jumping and screaming,” said Corson. “To them it’s making history and solidifies all the hard work they’ve been putting in.”

Corson said the 12 returning players lead the team in search of that victory. “They have an idea what’s out there, and they’ve played before,” said Corson. “… They want to be competitive and win some games this year.”

Among those returning players are junior midfielder Kelsey Poremba and classmate Hailey Brennan, who will be playing either halfback or at midfield.

Corson, in her first year as head coach, said it is important for the team’s success to have veteran players at the midfield positions.

“The midfielders direct the field and the plays, which is why we have strong, experienced players there,” said the mentor, who was an assistant on last year’s squad. “We’re working on being more aggressive at the net this year. We’ve really been trying to improve on that.”

Offensively, Corson turns to sophomores Morgan Karancios and Caitlyn Cannone on the frontline. The coach said the offensive players need to focus on rebounds this year, and taking – and making the most of – second opportunities. In net for the Bulldogs is sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Donahue, who started last season as well.

“For her to have played last year helps tremendously,” said Corson. “She got a lot of action in the net last year, and it gives her a lot of experience on how to read the ball and the play this year.”

According to Corson, earning that elusive first win early this year would help take pressure off her charges.

“It would be fabulous,” she said. “There are some games that I know we have a much better chance at winning. I just want to make it happen for them. Once they get one, it’s going to come a lot easier for them. We see it as a learning experience.”