Entering the season with three starters who never played tennis before, even Mark Telge had to question his team’s chances to be competitive in Class L.

Yet 13 contests into the season, the Little Green have compiled an 9-4 record and almost assuredly locked up a postseason berth.

This, after the they dropped a tight 6-3 duel with undefeated Salem on Monday, May 12. Central lost two 9-7 matches which proved the difference in the contest.

But captain Buddy Mc- Quade beat Salem’s No. 1, Michael Cohen; Central No. 5 Andrew Berry won, 8-2; and the pair of McQuade and Ben Sink notched an 8-4 doubles victory.

Salem also had added motivation after losing to Central late in 2007, said Telge.

“They were very, very keyed up to return the favor this year,” he said.

Still, Salem coach Michael Jolicoeur said he likes Central’s chances.

“All of their guys are very athletic, and they just don’t quit,” he said. “I’d love to coach this team. It’s just a bunch of guys that put forth all their effort all the time.”

And despite the team’s relative inexperience, Telge said the expectation remains nothing less than a championship.

“We’re right on the cusp,” he said. “ We’ve lost four matches, but we lost all four in close fashion to very good teams.”

Indeed, Central fell to Salem, West, Concord and Exeter, the top four teams in Class L. Though Telge said he thinks his squad can beat any of those top teams in the playoffs, he admits it’s all conjecture until the Little Green prove they can win against a quality team in a tight contest.

“It’s all mental at this point. We’ve covered every phase of the game,” said Telge. “Now we just need to get over the hump.”

McQuade and Sink lead the current squad.

“Buddy and Ben have been with me for four years, and they’re the backbone of my team,” said the Central coach. “The other four guys, it’s their first year, so that probably answers why they’re not used to winning the tight matches."

Hooksett’s Rob Lucas, Central’s No. 4, is an important part of that group.

“He’s been phenomenal,” said Telge. “He’s been a very special player for us in both singles and doubles.

“But it’s just like being a rookie in the NBA,” he continued. “By the end of the season, you’re not a rookie anymore, and that’s what we’re hoping for here.”