The young members of the Goffstown High School boys tennis team aren’t the only ones in the midst of a learning process.

First-year coach Gary Walsh said during a scrimmage against Pembroke Academy on March 31 that he is excited with the potential layout of his team, despite its inexperience.

“I’m pretty optimistic about what’s going to happen here. We’ve got a lot of kids who are playing first-year tennis,” said Walsh. “They’ve been playing at the Allard Center or maybe at the Y, but it’s their first year of actual matches.”

Last year the Grizzlies ended the season with a 7-7 record, just missing the postseason.

Entering this year’s campaign, Walsh said it is important for his athletes to gain the right mindset.

“The key is getting them to believe in themselves. It’s a confidence thing,” said Walsh. “We have three players who are returning from last year’s team, so we’re going to be young …, but I think by the end of the year we’ll be able to play with most teams.”

Though the playing ladder has not been set, veteran Connor Western is the favorite to lock down the top singles spot for the Grizzlies.

Also returning is Martin Bouroncle, who has a chance for the second spot, with Rob Chase, Jeremy Boucher and Martin Broly likely among those in Walsh’s top six.

With such a young team, the coach said it is helpful to take part in scrimmages to become acquainted with the difference between practice and competition.

“People get a feel for what we talked about in our pregame: keeping the ball in play and not making mistakes,” said Walsh. “This goes to show you that if you make unforced errors at this level or any level, you’re probably going to end up losing your match.”

The regular season begins Wednesday, April 15, with a home match against defending state champ Salem, before the Grizzlies battle a pair of Manchester schools, Memorial and Central, on April 17 and 20.

“I come from a tennis background, but this is my first year of actually coaching. These scrimmages are a big help for everybody, the kids and myself,” he said. “The biggest thing is as the year goes on, I’m hoping our best tennis will be played at the end of the season – in the playoffs.”