The Goffstown High School girls basketball team has stumbled out of the gate, and head coach Dave Michaud said he’s waiting to watch his group compete from opening tip to final buzzer.

During a 54-52 loss to Concord on Friday, Jan. 16, Michaud said the Grizzlies missed key free throws down the stretch, something that plagued Goffstown during an earlier loss to Nashua South.

“We could easily be 4-2 right now,” said Michaud of his 2-4 squad. “It’s crucial for us that we take the losses and learn from them.”

Michaud said the team has been battling the injury bug, too, but is close to full strength.

Junior forward Sarah Hartwell has been playing through a knee injury, and co-captain Chantel Gabel suffered a broken cheekbone and injury to her nose during an early-season contest.

“She’s still finding her groove,” said Michaud of the point guard. “She’s learning to play through it, but it’s tough at times.”

Despite the 2-4 start, the Grizzlies are right in the midst of the playoff hunt; six teams ahead of them either have two or three victories. Late-season results, according to the coach, depend upon the play of the Grizzlies’ veterans.

“I think it’s a matter of individuals and the seniors who need to step up and work hard on every possession,” said Michaud. “The upperclassmen know what I expect, and they need to carry it out in practice. We’ve had mental and physical breakdowns.”

Senior point guard Ashley Lynch has been a catalyst for the Grizzlies, raising the level of play on the floor.

“When she’s in the game, she brings us up a notch through her intensity,” said Michaud. “That’s what I am looking for from everybody."

“We’re playing in spurts,” added the mentor. “Hopefully the girls have learned that they just have to finish the whole game.”