With the season’s first snowfall as the backdrop, the No. 8 Bow Lady Falcons missed several key opportunities, including a shot off the crossbar late in the second half, and Hollis-Brookline, the ninth-seeded visitors and eventual state runner-up, scored three minutes into sudden death to secure a Class I opening-round victory on Oct. 29.

Still, Bow girls soccer coach Jay Vogt said the season was one of growth, especially for the younger players.

“Some of them started off somewhat tentative, but as the year progressed they became comfortable in their roles and the speed of play and did a great job contributing to the success of our team,” said Vogt.

Though the Lady Falcons lose eight seniors – captains Colby Jacobson, Lauren Allison and Caitlin Pratt, as well as Caitlin Heindl, Mariah Leven, Leanna Shea, Emily Shirlock, and Kate Torres – Vogt said he fully expects his strong crop of juniors to step up and lead the team.

“I expect everyone to take their game to the next level. We were all disappointed in ending our playoff run so early this year, so hopefully that motivates everyone to work hard and come back as better players,” he said. “My expectations are that we will be as competitive next year as we were this year. A lot will depend on what the returning players do from now until the start of tryouts next August, what JV players are ready to step up to varsity and contribute, and if any incoming freshmen can step in and play on the varsity level.”

Expected back next season are juniors Hope Hartley, Hannah Whitley, Lauryn Wheeler, Olivia Foy and Emily Hannon; sophomores Taylor Grip and Kassadi Phelps; and freshmen Rachel Kramer, Kyle Duval, Missy Gloekler and Molly Perkins.