They’re not winning yet, but that doesn’t mean they’re not smiling.

The Lady Grizzlies, in their second year as a varsity girls lacrosse team, currently have an 0-6 record.

But following a 16-4 loss to defending state runner-up Hanover on Saturday, April 26, Goffstown head coach Jess Brown said her players are enjoying both personal and team growth, despite the lack of victories.

“We have a great group of girls that are certainly athletic and are just looking to be competitive and build a competitive program,” said Brown.

“They’re a very young group, they’re a very inexperienced group – I think 50 percent of the team is a sophomore or freshman – but I think they’re very proud of the way they’ve been playing.”

Indeed, Goffstown has shown glimpses of excellence, even against Hanover.

Down 10-1 with 22 seconds remaining in the first half, the Lady Grizzlies scored twice, the first on freshman Katelynn Valcourt’s goal and then again on a Kate Comeau tally with one second left.

Freshman Emily Ellis and sophomore Kiara White also found the back of the net, while goalie Sarah Nahodil fended off a barrage of Hanover shots. “I think for them to be able to score on (Hanover), and to control portions of the game, was a personal victory,” said Brown. “They’re a very coachable group. They want to compete, but they know they have a lot of work to do to get there. Some games we’ve been in it, and some games we haven’t, but they’re learning to use every minute to try to get to the next step.”

The ultimate goal, she added, is long-term excellence. With a middle school feeder program now in place and producing experienced talent, Brown said that goal may become a reality in the not-so-distant future.

Though they won’t be around to see the future results of their current efforts, senior captains Comeau and Ellen Tierney lead this season’s young squad.

“They do a great job of keeping this team focused and motivated and continuously working,” said Brown. “They have incredible work ethics, and they bring a lot more to the table than just on-the-field talent.” And it’s reflected throughout the team, she said.

Others contributing on the 2008 squad include seniors Emily Cady, Bridget Emerson, Alyssa Renaud and Mandy Sarette; juniors Sarah Smith and Brianna Whitmore; sophomores Haley Fortin, Caroline Garrison, Chelsea Geshel and Nikollette Storro; and freshmen Jennifer Derby and Marisa LaFoe.

“I think we’ve had some tough games, but they’re still coming out here each day and having fun and trying to be competitive,” said Brown. “As a coach, you can’t ask for more than that.”