A fast, defensively-minded Old Rochester Regional High School team defeated the Vikings 64-55 during its first game of the season on Friday.

“If we don’t rebound the basketball nothing else matters,” said Vikings Head Coach Steve Faniel. “They did a good job of slowing us down.”

Playing at Old Rochester, the Vikings had trouble keeping up with the Bulldogs, trailing their opponents by roughly 10 points for most of the game.

The Bulldog defense kept the Vikings away from the rim, said Faniel.

“The kids played well defensively and forced us to take a lot of outside shots,” he said.

Faniel noted that with the season just starting players are still figuring out their place on the team.

“Players need to fill their roles and we as a coaching staff need to identify what those roles are,” he said, adding that the Vikings got off to a slow start last year, but managed to secure a spot in the playoffs.

“Last year we started 0-3 and did fine,” he said. “We need to get better.”

The Vikings home opener is Dec. 19 against Somerset Berkley Regional. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m.